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LOYAL BLUE AND ROYAL SCARLET. 



LOYAL BLUE AND ROYAL 


SCARLET. 


A STORY OF ’76. 


BY 



MARION AMES TAGGART, 

• • H ' - 

Author of “ Three Oirls and Especially One ; ” “ By Branscome River ; ” 
“3%e Blissylvania Post-ojffice," etc , etc. 



New York, Cincinnati, Chicago: 

BROTHERS, 

Printers to the Holy Apostolic See. 

1899 



^7-1 




43809 

Copyright, 1898, by Benziger Brothers. 


received. 


OF C0k|^ 

OO l 6-1898 


oiWft 




•econo copy, 

•S^e^ '.‘i 'i- 


05,»\'500T 


CONTENTS. 


CHAPTER I. 

' PAGE 

The Parting op the Ways.'..'... 7 

CHAPTER II. 

A Welcome and a Farewell 18 

CHAPTER III. 

Dick and Cicely meet Once More 29 

CHAPTER IV. 

Cicely Dares 40 

CHAPTER V. 

Independence 52 

CHAPTER VI. 

In Battle 63 

CHAPTER VH. 

In the Friendly Fog 74 

CHAPTER VIII. 

Coming and Going 86 

CHAPTER IX. 

David falls into the Hands op the Enemy 97 

5 


6 


CONTENTS, 


CHAPTER X. 

PAGE 

Private McElroy gives a Hint 107 

CHAPTER XI. 

At Saratoga 118 

CHAPTER XH. 

Cicely goes North .* 129 

CHAPTER XHI. 

Back to Service 140 

CHAPTER XIV. 

A Long Ride and a Capture 160 

CHAPTER XV. 

A Rescue 160 

CHAPTER XVI. 

West Point, and Arnold 172 

CHAPTER XVII. 

The Bitter End 184 

CHAPTER XVIII. 

Reunited '. . . 196 

CHAPTER XIX. 

The Last Blows for Freedom 209 

CHAPTER XX. 

Back to New York 222 


LOYAL BLUE AND ROYAL SCARLET. 


CHAPTER I. 

THE PAKTING OF THE WAYS. 

The warm sunshine of late April rested in Sabbath stillness 
on the streets of New York. Out the Broad Way to St. Pauhs, 
and down Wall Street to the Presbyterian meeting-house, 
sedately walked portly heads of families, beside, their comely wives 
and daughters in shawls, short gowns and mitts, many of them 
betraying their descent from the grave Dutch burghers, while 
those wending their solemn steps towards Trinity and St. Paul’s 
showed that in blood as well as in allegiance they belonged to old 
England. 

The front yards of the houses along the Broad Way were 
sweet with tender grass and opening lilacs, among which the 
robins sang with most unpuritanical disregard of the solemnity 
of the day, or dashed into their fresh-turned earthy market for 
a fat worm with an enjoyment no considerations of decorum 
could prohibit. 

There was no Catholic church in the little town in those days, 

7 


8 


TEE PAIlTim OP THE WATS. 


nor for twelve years later; the few who kept the ancient faith 
kept it for the most part hidden in their hearts, for religious 
toleration had not been discovered in New York then; even the 
enlightened John Jay voting against admitting to citizenship any 
Catholic who would not deny on oath the power of the priest- 
hood to remit sin. For this pleasant Sunday was the feast day of 
England, St. George’s day, in the year of grace 1775. 

Two young men, as they would have desired to he called, 
two boys more properly speaking, were sauntering arm in arm 
up the Broad Way among the churchgoers. One was tall and 
slender, dark haired, dark eyed, with thin, pale face, and the 
unmistakable look of a hookworm printed upon it. The other 
was a good half head shorter, ruddy cheeked, blue eyed, bronze 
haired, every tint and gesture eloquent of life, energy, and fun. 
Different as they were, they were Damon and Pythias, over 
again; from the time they had been toddling youngsters taken 
to play around the statue of King George in the Bowling Green 
they had been devoted friends, differing often, squabbling oc- 
casionally, but loving each other more with every day. Their 
condition was as different as their looks. The taller, and the 
elder by a year, was Richard Watts, the grandnephew of Coun- 
sellor Watts, whose house, the first from the Bowling Green on 
the Broad Way, was one of the finest in the city. It was an old 
and loyal family, and Dick had been carefully trained at home, 
and in King’s. College to devoted adherence to the mother 
country and the throne. 

Philip Martin, his friend, on the contrary, was an orphan, 
left with his sister alone in New York when hut seven years old, 
and brought up among the merchants of Queen Street, as Pearl 


THE PARTim OF THE WATS. 


9 


Street was then called; he had imbibed the most tremendous en- 
thusiasm for the cause of liberty, and a hearty readiness to sup- 
port any measures for establishing the rights of the colonies. 
Furthermore, the lad was a Catholic, and had managed to remain 
one among most anti-Catholic influences, offset only by rare 
'visits of the Jesuit Father Farmer, who contrived to come at 
long intervals to his flock in the city. 

Such were these friends, yet in spite of their being diametri- 
cally opposite in so many ways, a more devoted pair of comrades 
could scarce he found in all King George’s domains. 

I tell thee, Phil, there’s trouble brewing,” Dick was saying 
earnestly, as they threaded their way among the passers-by with 
a difficulty that could have been avoided had they but dropped 
arms. 

^^And I tell thee, Dick, I know it, and welcome it if needs 
must be in order to get our rights,” responded the other. 

Rights, you foolish hoy ! ” cried Dick. Our right, as ’tis 
our duty is to stand by the king. Art mad or blind, not to see 
’tis treason thou art drifting towards ? ” 

Drifting ! I drifting ? . Indeed I’m not drifting,” cried 
Phil. I’m marching with eyes wide open, and a resolute heart. 
As to treason, is William Pitt a traitor who espouses our cause 
so boldly in the parliament at home, and is it less than an Eng- 
lishman’s duty to stand for the rights of Englishmen, be it at 
home, or in the colonies ? Sure that blundering minister of the 
king. Lord North, is no more an Englishman than the great 
Pitt ! And as to his majesty out of Hanover, well, we called 
his great grandfather from Germany to rule over us, and we can 
send him back if he tramples on Englishmen’s rights. Our 


10 


THE PAMING OF THE WATS, 


fathers cut off Charles I/s head for so doing, and he was an 
English king.” 

Angels and ministers of peace defend us ! ” cried Dick, re- 
leasing his arm to put both hands over his ears. Upon my 
honor as a gentleman, Philip Martin, for all my love for thee Pll 
listen to no more such talk. Come within St. PauFs here, and 
get on your knees, though you be a papist, and ask pardon and 
mercy that you are fast turning rebel too.” 

Not I,” laughed Phil, taking off his cocked hat, and letting 
the spring wind blow his ruddy brown locks off his forehead, 
“ I’ll none of the English church, dear Dick, though I’ll stand 
true to the English king if he — ” 

“ If he pleases you,” interrupted Dick. Now there’s little 
good in our discussions, Phil, for they but leave us where we 
began.” 

Just so, and that is fast friends, my Dick, though political 
foes,” said Phil. Don’t go to church; come with me out to 
the Fields, and take a look at the new water-works’ progress. 
We’ll be back in an hour, and your parson’s sermons do you no 
good; you have admitted it yourself.” 

"'You’re playing devil’s advocate. Master Philip,” retorted 
Dick, " in trying to draw me from my allegiance, but this morn- 
ing, I admit, I am disinclined for close walls. I have a slight 
headache, and I will go with you, though you deserve not to have 
the company of a loyal subject of the king on this St. George’s 
day, the patron of England and her sovereign.” 

Philip laughed gayly, once more linking his arm in that of his 
friend. " ’Tis you who should feel honored that I, who am de- 
voted to liberty, should condescend to the company of the menial 


THE PABTINQ OP THE WAYS. 


11 


of a tyrannical king, who tramples on his subjects^ rights as 
his namesake the true soldier St. George trampled on the 
dragon.'^ 

Dick only replied by a protesting shake of the head, and 
laughing with triumph in having won the last word, Philip 
pulled his friend along towards the Fields. 

It is hard to realize that the present City Hall Park was then 
called by that name, and was almost quite out of town, but such 
was the case, and the two boys made it the end of that Sunday 
morning expedition to look at the new water-pipes being laid 
from there to supply the little city with the pure water she 
lacked, and of which she stood in sore need. 

They did not linger long outside the town, though the song- 
sparrow wooed them sweetly to listen to her silvery strain, and the 
breeze blew in from the Hudson over the fresh-water pond near 
where Reade Street now pushes its crowded way. Turning, they 
retraced their steps, and came slowly down the Broad Way, and 
back to St. PauPs Church near the hour of noon, and the end of 
the service. 

Let us wait in the porch for some of the other boys,” pro- 
posed Dick. It can’t be long now before they will be dis- 
missed.” 

^^As you like,” said Phil, who never heartily welcomed an- 
other companion to spoil their perfect pair. Nevertheless they 
mounted the steps, and stood bareheaded under the columns, the 
strong, unshaded April sunshine accentuating the difference in 
the type of the two faces. 

Hark ! ” said Phil suddenly. What is that ? ” 

Up the Broad Wa}^ coming from the direction of Blooming- 


12 


THE PARTING OF THE WAYS. 


dale, was heard the rapid gallop of a horse’s feet, and a hoarse 
murmur like distant shouting. It was not long ere there ap- 
peared out of a cloud of dust a horseman, tearing at a furious 
pace down the road, and all those who were not in church came 
out of their houses, and threw up their hats, shouting as the 
rider dashed by them. 

’Tis an express rider,” said Dick. What can be the news 
he brings ? ’Tis a pressing matter, surely.” 

There was no time for Phil to reply, for the voice of the mes- 
senger reached them, broken by the rapidity of his flight, and 
the clatter of the horse’s hoofs, but they heard the words : 
“ Fight at Lexington.” 

What ! what’s that ? ” cried both the boys, leaping down the 

steps. 

Fight at Lexington ! The British went to seize the stores 
at Concord. The minute men met them and defeated them. 
The king’s army fled before the militia ! ” shouted the post 
rider, reining up long enough to deliver his news before the 
church, whence the congregation was already pouring without 
waiting to be dismissed, called forth by the sound of his coming, 
borne in by the breeze through the open windows. 

Hurrah, hurrah, hurrah ! ” shouted Phil, wild in an instant 
at such electrifying tidings. 

Be quiet,” groaned Dick, his face deathly pale. You don’t 
know what you’re cheering.” 

Don’t I ? ” cried Phil, utterly beside himself. Why, 
didn’t you hear him ? The regulars fled before the minute men, 
the farmers ! Oh, good gracious powers, but ’tis a blessed hear- 
ing ! ” 


THE PARTING OF THE WATS, 


13 


By this time the post rider was already well on down towards 
the Battery, and the streets were beginning to swarm with excited 
people. Not a staid member of the gravest sect delayed for the 
final benediction of his minister, but every one almost fell down 
the churches’ steps, rushing into the streets, shouting, swearing, 
some of them, rejoicing, prophesying evil, according as each one’s 
bent was toward the side of the colonies or the king. 

Dick Watts was silent; he realized, as his friend did not, all 
that this would mean for them. Separation, nay, more, meeting 
in battle, each arrayed against the other: this might well be the 
end of the dire tidings, and their lifelong love. 

But no such foresight dampened Phil’s ardor; he had room 
in his excited brain but for the one thought of the first en- 
counter, and the triumph of the .Americans. They pushed 
through the excited groups in the Broad Way, and made their 
way towards home. 

Come with me, Dick,” begged Phil, as they reached the 
head of Wall Street, and the crowds were increased by the con- 
gregations of the thicker populated section of the city. Don’t 
go home; the post rider will have gone to the house of one of the 
Sons of Liberty. Let us go down Queen Street; ’tis more than 
likely he is at Isaac Sears’, and we must learn further particu- 
lars.” - 

Silently assenting, Dick turned down Wall Street with his 
friend. As they passed by the sober Dutch houses and the Pres- 
byterian meeting-house, they saw a little figure, bareheaded, com- 
ing towards them. It was that of a young girl of fifteen — Cicely 
Martin, her brother’s only sister, and his junior by not quite two 
years. The sunshine rested on her brown curls, glinting with 


14 


TEE PARTING OF THE WATS. 


gold, and less warm in color than Phil’s. Her fair skin was 
flushed, her pretty lips parted, and her great brown eyes flashing 
and glowing with the excitement of the hour. 

Both boys looked lovingly at her; she was to both the dearest 
of beloved sisters, and it would be hard to say whether her 
brother by birth, or her brother by adoption, loved her more. 

She ran straight to Phil, and clasped his arm with both her 
dimpled hands. Oh, Phil ! oh, Dick ! ” she gasped, isn’t it 
glorious; isn’t it awful ? ” 

Glorious indeed, Gis.” Awful indeed. Cicely,” replied 
both boys together, according to their point of view, and then 
Phil laug'hed. 

You see, Dick can’t be quite gay about it,” he said. We’re 
glad, aren’t we, my Cicely ? ” 

Glad ! Why, I’m not big enough to be as glad as I feel,” 
cried Cicely gayly. Come, sit thee down on the stoop. Sir 
Richard of the Doleful Countenance, and tell us if you are really 
going to mourn when your country is establishing her freedom.” 

She skipped up the three low steps of one of the older Dutch 
houses on Wall Street, where, with a housekeeper in the person 
of their old nurse, she and Phil lived. A big tree, just budding 
out, shaded the stoop, on each side of which ran the low settle on 
which the young girl and Dick seated themselves. Phil was far 
too wrought up to be quiet. 

Cicely,” Dick said, replying to her last words, it seems 
to me you and Phil scarce realize what this portendeth. Do you 
know it may be — nay, I believe it is — the beginning of a war, 
which God grant be short, but which, if it comes, must needs be 
bloody?” 


THE PARTING OF THE WATS. 


15 


And if it be a war/’ cried Cicely, why, then, war is dread- 
ful, but dishonorable peace and tyranny are worse. We’ll not go 
to war if the home government will give us our rights, and to 
win them who would not fight ? ” 

Spoken like a patriot, and a true American, little sister,” 
cried Phil, seizing her in his arms in irrepressible rapture. 

We’ll fight if they make us, and in such a cause we must win; 
’tis impious to doubt it.” 

“ And if you fight, Phil,” said Dick sadly, “ shall I be less 
brave ? Think you I shall fail in duty to my king ? If war 
comes out of this madness on the part of you and your friends, 
we shall both bear arms, one against the other. Have you 
thought on that ? ” 

Phil paused in the rapid turns he was making on the broad 
upper step, and Cicely’s face blanched. 

Shall you bear arms, really bear arms against your land ? ” 
asked Phil slowly. 

I shall fight for my king,” answered Dick in a low voice. 

Cicely’s eyes overflowed; with an impetuous .gesture and a 
quick sob, she held out her arms towards Dick. Oh, Dick, dear 
Dick, you won’t, you can’t fight against the right, against your 
country, against Phil’’ she said. 

“ What is right. Cicely ? ” said Dick. 

That sounds like Pontius Pilate, when he asked what is 
truth,” cried Cicely quickly. Dick, sure you know it is truest 
loyalty to stand for the rights of Englishmen against oppression.” 

I meant it not as Pilate asked his question,” said Dick hush- 
ing. I only meant, Cis, that right for each one is the following 
of his conscience. Yours and Phil’s bid you to fight for what yon 


16 


TEE PARTING OF THE WATS. 


call liberty, but which I call rebellion and treason, for mine bids 
me stand by my king/’ 

Phil’s generous heart was touched by his friend’s evident grief 
which he was struggling to repress. 

Don’t grieve, Dick,” he said. I would give a good part 
of my life if you could be made to see matters as we do, but none 
who knows you can ever doubt your fidelity to your sense of duty, 
and if we are in the ranks of opposite armies, yet you and I will 
love each other, and know we are no less friends at heart for 
being foes.” 

Dick took the hand Phil held out to him, and pressed it, un- 
able to make other reply. Cicely dried her eyes, and made an 
effort to regain her usual lively manner. We must not cross 
bridges which we not only have not come to, but which are not 
even built,” she said. ’Tis hardly likely ’twill be a war. When 
the king sees how in earnest we are, he will give us our rights. 
Sure we are loyal here, and are no rebels. The king hath bad 
counsellors; ’tis no more, and this little scrimmage at Lexington, 
when the news of it is carried over seas, will open the eyes of 
them all, and the king will do what is right, when he sees the 
right, for he is a good man. So Grod save the king, and cheer up, 
Dick ! You and Phil shall never be arrayed against each other.” 

But Dick shook his head. Would I dared hope so, sweet 
Cis,” he said. But I greatly fear me the shots at Lexington 
have kindled a fire not easily extinguished.” 

Then Cicely, who, though scarce more^than a child in years,^ 
like all true girls had the tenderness of a woman in her young 
heart, rose, and laid her hand on Dick’s shoulder with a touch 
that was half motherly. And if it comes, Dick dear,” she said. 


THE PARTING OF THE WATS. 


17 


^^ and if our sense of duty leads us to take opposite sides in the 
conflict, then we will bear the pain it will cost us all, and pray 
God to bless it as a sacrifice and accept it as a prayer from us for 
the peace and safety of our dear America. We were poor chil- 
dren to her if we could not hear a pang for her sake.’’ 

Dick and Phil could not answer; both were touched beyond 
words by the sweet seriousness of the girl’s manner, and the reali- 
zation of the gravity of the great news which the day had 
brought, and which at first had filled Cicely and Phil only with 
excited joy. 

Cicely broke the silence which settled upon them after her 
last words. ^^We have new paths opening before us,” she said 
cheerily. I fear not; sure they can only lead to happiness, and 
we may set our feet on them confidently.” 

Dick arose and went down one step, then turned back, facing 
them. They are cross-paths, dear Cis,” he said. We are at 
the parting of the ways. Good-bye, Cicely; till evening, Phil.” 

And he disappeared towards the Bowling Green. 


CHAPTER II. 


A WELCOME AND A FAREWELL. 

The spring ripened into the fresh beauty of June in a town 
more variable than the uncertain weather of even that season 
in New York. There were the wildest rumors in the air, and 
suppressed excitement almost seemed to infect the solid brick of 
the old Dutch houses. And just as the heat of late June had 
made such conditions hard to bear, came the double tidings that 
George Washington of Virginia, late appointed Commander-in- 
chief of the patriot army, would arrive on his way to take com- 
mand in Cambridge, while Tryon, the royal governor, was due on 
the same day to assume the reins of government. 

Philip Martin had not been passive since the thrilling news 
of Lexington. He had some knowledge of the manual of arms, 
and bad put it into use training other lads of his age in the 
Fields, where every night he and a young friend of his and 
would-be-soldier, Alexander Hamilton from the Indies, met for 
this purpose. When the day came that Washington was to be 
received by the patriots of the town, it was Phirs happiness to 
be allowed to go out towards Colonel Lispenard’s country seat, 
where the general was to land, a spot now included among the 
rattling thoroughfares around Desbrosses Street. 

Phil was a fine figure in his wine-colored velvet coat, 

18 


A WELCOME AND A FAREWELL. 


19 


trimmed with gold, and the precious lace ruffles made by Cicely 
from their mother’s stores. His waistcoat was of blue, with knee- 
breeches to match the coat, and he wore his own hair un- 
powdered, and tied with a blue ribbon by his sister’s skillful 
fingers. Cicely revolved around Phil like the admiring satellite 
of a brilliant planet, clapping her hands, brushing imaginary 
flecks of dust from his coat, and praising him, until, as there was 
no one by to see his display of affection, he stopped her mouth 
with kisses. 

It’s a shame and thrice a shame that I can’t go with you,” 
cried Cicely. Wouldn’t I make a fine offlcer ? Now look,” and 
she set Phil’s laced hat sidewise on her curls, and marched up and 
down with such a brave assumption of a martial swagger that he 
was delighted with her, but like a true boy tried to conceal it. 

You a fine officer with your ugly face ! ” he said in mock 
scorn. Still, there’s no saying that you might not do service 
in the field, for the enemy would run away at the sight of such a 
monster, unless the enemy were a mouse, when the swash-buck- 
ling captain would run instead.” 

Fie on such jealousy, Phil, when I’ve been praising you 
so,” cried Cicely, pretending to be angry. “ Not that I meant a 
word of it, for I shall sit at home all day blushing lest the gen- 
eral discover you’re my brother.” Then she threw both arms 
around Phil, fearing he might possibly think her in earnest, and 
was so winsome that her brother was almost late in starting, for 
all that he was so delighted to be permitted to meet the Com- 
mander. 

It was early afternoon when Washington landed, and the 
bright June sunshine illumined his stately figure for all the 


20 


A WELCOME AND A FAREWELL. 


people’s seeing. He was then in the prime of life, but little past 
forty, over six feet tall, well proportioned, his grave, handsome 
face lighted "by the pleasure of his greeting. For all the way out 
from the Battery the roads were lined with multitudes, the house- 
tops black with people, all shouting and huzzaing till it seemed 
as though there could not be one Tory in all Hew York’s five 
and twenty thousand sons and daughters. 

The general wore a blue uniform, with a purple sash, and 
his hat was plumed like a knight’s of old. Entering a carriage 
drawn by two white horses, and escorted by several companies of 
soldiers, and the members of the Hew York Congress, Washing- 
ton proceeded slowly down the Broad Way, between the en- 
thusiastic files of the people, amid such shouts as must have made 
the leaden figure of King George in the Bowling Green tremble 
on his horse, and with good reason, for had not this grave Vir- 
ginian George come to unseat him ? 

Phil Martin marched behind the carriage, regardless of the 
dust settling on his fine clothes, his head near bursting with all 
sorts of emotion. It dampened his joy that Dick should not he 
at his side — poor Dick, whom he feared even then was waiting to 
receive the royal governor; hut nothing could quite spoil the 
hour for him, for Phil had the good fortune to be of a hopeful 
turn, and was horn a hero-worshipper. 

How as this joyous procession was advancing Cicely was in the 
throes of the baking of crumpets, which bad behaved badly, as 
things have a way of doing when one particularly desires them 
done quickly. The result was that the little lassie was belated 
in her plan to go out in time to see the approach of the Com- 
mander-in-chief down the Broad Way, and only succeeded in run- 


A WELCOME AND A FAREWELL. 


21 


ning out at the last moment, flushed and bareheaded, just in 
time to see the arrival of the general at the City Hall in Wall 
Street, where thirteen years later Washington was to take the 
oath as president. She looked uncommonly pretty, all rosy and 
excited from the refractory crumpets, and the greatness of the 
event, but she forgot all about herself, and clasping her hands as 
Washington stepped from the carriage, she said aloud, quite un- 
conscious that she did so: ^^’Tis no longer St. George for Eng- 
land our cry, but Great George for America.” 

Washington heard her, and stopping, well pleased, doffed his 
plumed hat to the frightened little maid, and laying his hand on 
her shining curls and looking admiringly into her pretty face, 
said: Thank you, my dear. That was the sweetest welcome 

New York could have given me, and I pray that I may be worthy 
your trust in me.” And thus the new Commander-in-chief ar- 
rived. 

Phil turned down to Fraunces’ tavern, and entering threw his 
hat on one of the tables. The place was crowded, and with people 
of all shades of opinion, for Sam Fraunces was the Delmonico 
of his day, and his tavern was the great meeting-place of the town. 

It was an age of hard drinking, but Phil and Dick, unlike 
most of the lads, practised a temperance not yet the virtue of 
the majority, and when the waiter came for his order Phil merely 
called for a pitcher of home-brewed ale, guiltless of the alcohol 
which in one form or another was being imbibed around him. 
Alexander Hamilton entered the room at this moment, and Dick 
Watts by another door; both espying Phil crossed the room to 
the table where he was sitting and joined him. 

Oh, Dick, where have you been ? ” cried Phil starting up 


22 


A WELCOME AND A FAREWELL. 


joyfully. ^Twas a glorious afternoon, and the only thing that 
marred my pleasure in it was that you were not with me. Where 
have you been ? ’’ 

I saw your king of men, as you would have us believe 
Washington to be,” said Dick, evading the question. I own 
there’s reason for your enthusiasm.” 

He’s king enough for me to swear fealty to, instead of the 
German George across the water,” said Phil impetuously. 

Hush ; not so loud ! ” said Dick, while a young man in a 
scarlet coat, and with his face nearly the same shade, sitting at 
the table next to them, stirred restlessly. I confess that when 
I looked at that strong, steady face I felt for a moment that 
such a man was guarantee enough for any cause.” 

Oh, Dick,” began Phil, but Dick held up his hand. Wait; 
I said for a moment, but for no longer. Then I remembered my 
allegiance. But I say honestly, Phil, you have reason to be 
proud of your leader.” 

I have reason ! Oh, Dick, you stab me when you point to 
our division. Have you no reason to be proud of him, too ? 
Are not you an American, and is not George Washington a son 
of the same mother ? Talk to him, Hamilton; you who have 
the gift of eloquence and persuasion.” 

Hamilton shook his head. have talked to him already, 
Phil,” he said. At college many a time have we gone over the 
ground, but all in vain.” 

Yes, words are quite useless,” said Dick sadly, and I must 
pain you further I fear, dear Phil, for I came to tell you that 
to-morrow — have you forgotten that there were two dignitaries 
arrived to-day ? ” 


A WELCOME AND A EABEWELL. 


28 


Oh, Tryon ! ” exclaimed Phil with easy scorn. He hath 
come to a province where he will he the mere figurehead of a 
governor ; he doth not count for much.^^ 

^^He counts for much to me, and to all loyal men, for he is 
sent by the king,” Dick began gravely, hut got no further, for the 
youngster at the next table started up, and cried out with a 
ripping oath: Yes, and you are a gentleman, whoever you are, 
hut ril he hung if Pll listen to any more such rebel talk ! ” 

That’s not at all unlikely,” retorted Phil, with a curious 
quiet that came over him when he felt dangerous, for he was by 
nature of the kind that flames up hotly on the instant. I 
should say you would most likely he hung whether you listened 
to rebel talk or no, hut while the rope is getting ready Pd suggest 
you ’tend to your own affairs, and if my talk displeases you there 
are tables out of earshot, and Manhattan Island is long, though 
narrow.” 

Phil, he’s half drunk; let it pass,” said Hamilton in a low 
voice, but the well-meant warning did more harm than good. 

Drunk, you miserable little half-breed savage from Africa,” 
roared the adherent of the king. I’d have you know a gentle- 
man can carry his wine soberly.” 

Pardon me; I am Alexander Hamilton, of the East Indies 
by birth, of Hew York by adoption,” said Hamilton bowing, v^hile 
Phil laughed aloud, and said: ^^A gentleman! Sure, you are 
but a boy, and have abundantly proved you can never hope to 
claim that honorable title, since you go out of your way to insult 
those who meddle not with you.” 

The young brawler started to his feet in an instant. “ I see 
you are from the country where home-brewed ale is the fashion. 


24 


A WELCOME AND A FAREWELL. 


but you shall have a drop of noble burgundy ! ’’ So saying he 
raised his glass and threw the contents straight in PhiFs face. 

Phil started up in a towering passion, while his adversary 
turning to Dick said: Between gentlemen such an act calls for 
but one reparation. If this rebel be not a coward he will fight, 
and you, sir, do me the honor to be my second, while yonder 
little rebel can serve his comrade, on whom I have spent too 
much’^ood wine.” 

have no taste for duelling, thank you,” said Hamilton, 
who was to die in such manner by the hand of the treacherous 
Burr. 

And I will never shoot at any man thus, for I believe duel- 
ling to be a sin,” said Phil, fairly prancing with rage, but you 
come outside, and I’ll polish you off with my fists in a way that 
shall give you a sore-needed lesson.” 

^^Well said, Philip Martin,” cried the strong voice of Isaac 
Sears, patriot, and good fighter himself, long foremost in the 
Hew York Committee of One Hundred. By this time every one 
in the room had risen from his table and pressed forward to see 
what was wrong between the four lads. 

^^Well said, Philip Martin,” repeated Captain Sears. 
duel ? Bless and save us, what ails the boy ? Take him out in 
Sam Fraunces’ yard, and give him what he deserves.” 

Come on, then, since you are too low to fight with swords 
and pistols as gentlemen fi^ht,” said the loyal but quarrelsome 
youth, leading the way out of the tavern with much dignity, 
while Phil and his friends followed with alacrity. 

We’ll go to see fair play,” said Captain Sears, who had 
taught Phil the principles of resistance to tyranny in his shop 


A WELCOME AND A FAREWELL. 


25 


in Queen Street from the days of the second non-importation act, 
when the boy was scarce as high as the counter, and with whom 
Phil was a prime favorite. 

]^ow take off your fine velvet coat, hoy,” said the captain. 
“ ’Tis neither suitable for June weather nor for fighting. And 
■whip him till he shouts: Long live the United Colonies of ISlorth 
America.” 

Now, now, softly, my good man, softly,” said the mayor, 
David Matthews, who had dropped into Fraunces’ tavern for his 
customary supper. It may have been unnecessary for this 
young gentleman to interfere in the conversation of these 
three friends, yet one can scarce blame him for resenting re- 
bellious talk.” 

Captain Sears muttered something uncomplimentary to the 
mayor, but as both adversaries had made ready to begin, the 
conversation ended in attention to their movements. The 
stranger was the heavier, but PhiFs trim muscles and quick mo- 
tions, as well as his draughts of home-brewed ale, opposed to the 
other’s burgundy, made his friends feel confident of his 
victory. 

They squared off, and the difference in methods was soon 
apparent. The stranger’s aim was to deal telling blows which 
should disable his adversary, while Phil’s only desire evidently 
was to throw his opponent, when, Hamilton and Dick felt cer- 
tain, he would punish him thoroughly, but not brutally. 

By a great good chance a heavy blow below the belt, which 
might well have been nearly fatal, was dodged by Phil, and as 
his adversary lunged forward with the force of an undelivered 
stroke, he caught him suddenly around the waist, and by a quick 


^6 


A WELCOME AND A EAREWELL. 


twist had him off his feet and on the ground before he was quite 
sure what had happened. 

Quick; your riding whip, Hamilton ! panted Phil. He’s 
a cur, and shall be whipped like one. Pll teach him to mind his 
own affairs and throw no more wine.” 

Alexander Hamilton, nothing loath, handed Phil his short 
riding-whip, and preventing his adversary rising with his left 
hand — a feat his potations had made less easy — Phil laid the 
whip around his legs and arms and hips till the big fellow roared 
for mercy. 

Say long live the United Colonies of North America,” or- 
dered Phil, standing astride his sore and discomfited foe like a 
new Colossus. 

I won’t,” growled the loyalist sulkily. ♦ 

As you please,” retorted Phil, cheerfully resuming the whip- 
ping. I think ’twould he easier for you to do it sooner; later 
you certainly must.” 

Stop, you rebel,” howled his foe. 

Say what I hid you,” rejoined Phil, with a neat cut over 
the shoulders. 

“ Long live the United Colonies of North America,” said his 
adversary sullenly, and with a muttered postscript that invoked 
no blessing on Phil. 

That’s all right; now get up, and the next time you feel 
inclined to he meddlesome and quarrel take my advice and don’t 
do it,” remarked Phil, short of breath and red of face, hut very 
cheerful and entirely good-natured. hope your whip isn’t 
hurt, Hamilton. Shake hands, like an honest foe, and say you 
bear no grudge,” he added to his former adversary. But the 


A WELCOME AMD A E ARE WELL. 


2Y 


crestfallen blusterer refused with a sullen oath, and shrugging 
his shoulders, and bidding Hamilton good-night, Phil walked 
with Dick out of the tavern garden. 

They sauntered across the town to the North Kiver and out 
into the country, pausing near where Canal Street now crosses 
Greenwich. The night was clear and still; the moon shining 
down on the Jersey hills, and on the broad stream, most beautiful 
of rivers. 

I did not tell you what I had begun to say when that 
troublesome neighbor of ours interfered in the tavern,” Dick 
said, speaking with some difficulty. I am going to-morrow to 
offer my services to Tryon.” 

“ Oh, Dick, and fight against your land ? ” cried Phil. 

Stand by your country, Dick; I beg you, don’t join her foes.” 

Stand by your king, Phil; I beg you, don’t join his rebels,” 
retorted Dick. Nay, dear friend; let us not make it harder; 
neither can change the other’s views and determination. Shall 
you not join Washington ? ” 

I mearit to ask a commission to-morrow,” acknowledged 

Phil. 

I fear this is our hour of parting, Phil. Nothing but duty 
could separate us, and that cannot sever our hearts. As you 
once said, we shall not be less friends that we are foes, shall we, 
dear old Phil ? ” 

God forbid, and bless you forever, Dick, true friend,” fairly 
sobbed the more excitable lad, his overwrought nerves giving 
way. 

Dick laid one arm gently over his shoulders, and they turned 
back towards the city. As they neared the Broad Way Dick 


28 


A WELCOME AND A FAMEWELL, 


paused. Do you remember on that fatal Sunday that we got 
the news from Lexington I said it was the parting of the ways ? ” 
lie asked. It was true; we part here to-night, to walk together, 
it may be, never more.^^ 

Phil gulped down his sorrow, and said, making an effort to 
speak lightly : Yes, for yonder lies the Boston Eoad, down 
which I am to march to rescue the city, while before us is Great 
George Street, which is your way.” For thus was then called the 
upper end of the Broad Way. 

But Dick only held his friend^s hand tighter. The cross- 
paths are met, dear Phil, and to-night we say farewell.” 


CHAPTEE III. 


DICK AND CICELY MEET ONCE MOKE. 

The New Year, the great year of 1776, which has a different 
ring to our ears from all other dates, came upon New York in a 
blinding snow-storm. Of the three young people whom we know. 
Cicely alone was left in the town. It was a saddened town; many 
of its sons were away with the Continental army at Boston, and 
of them there were not a few whose nearest and dearest left be- 
hind sympathized with the loyal side, and to the pang of anxiety 
and separation of the body was added the sharper pang of pro- 
found separation in mind and purpose. 

There was not much gayety; forebodings for the future and 
distress in the present subdued the natural cheerfulness of New 
York, one of the blithest towns in the new land. 

Cicely had lost something of her natural sprightliness, and her 
cheeks a little of their bright tint. Phil was away with the army, 
and Dick was with Tryon, who had taken refuge on the ship 
Duchess of Gordon in the river, fearing to trust himself to the 
citizens whom he had been sent to govern. The little maid 
found her loneliness hard to bear, and longed for the presence 
or even tidings of her two brothers. She did hear at long in- 
tervals from Phil, but of Dick not a word reached her, for New 
York was under military rule, under the command of General 

29 


30 


DICK AND CICELY MEET ONCE MORE. 


Charles Lee, and communication with the enemy’s ships in the 
harbor was most sternly forbidden. So for poor little Cicely the 
winter dragged on in loneliness and anxiety till spring came, and 
brought her the joy of her brother’s return with Washington, 
who was established in the beautiful country-seat called Kich- 
mond Hill, well out of the city on the west side, about where 
Charlton and Varick streets now cross each other. 

But Dick was still cut off from his patriot friends, and to 
him also the lot was hard to bear. They called him the Yankee 
Bluing-bottle ” on the ships, and indeed the lad grew grave, and 
even sad. He had to listen to constant abuse of his native land, 
and ignorant misrepresentations of people whom, however much 
he differed from them, he knew too thoroughly well to mis- 
understand. He could not but see how great the contrast was be- 
tween the devoted, self-sacrificing patriotism of his countrymen, 
whom he could not join, and these gay, wining and dining British 
officers, who had not the dimmest notion of how solemnly and 
sacredly the men they derisively called rebels regarded their cause. 

David Matthews, the mayor of the city, was constantly coming 
and going between shore and the Duchess of Gordon, in spite of 
the prohibition; he was on the king’s side, yet not openly, and 
Dick despised a skulker. He knew, for it was often discussed 
before him, that British gold was passing through Matthews’ 
hands from Tryon’s to buy Yankee weakness and treachery, and 
his soul recoiled, sickened by such unworthy means of purchas- 
ing a victory which he felt sure could be won by arms. Alto- 
gether Dick was wretched in his new surroundings, and many a 
time wished in bitterness of heart that he could have seen his 
duty as Phil saw it, and was with that handful of desperate men 


DICK AND CICELY MEET ONCE MORE. 


31 


called the American army in their hopeless fight against such 
as .these. 

One day, it being very warm, he lay reading his beloved 
Shakespeare under the shadow of the sail which concealed him as 
General Tryon and Mayor Matthews came upon the deck together. 
They were too profoundly interested in their conversation to see 
Dick, who felt no scruples in remaining in his position, for they 
were discussing their plans of bribing, as they had so often done 
before when he was with them. 

It’s absolutely certain,” he heard Matthews say. There 
can’t be failure. The innkeepers are nearly all working for us; 
there’s the landlord of the Highlander, on the corner of Beaver 
Street, and the keeper of the Kobin Hood, and that fat Lowry 
who keeps the tupenny tavern opposite the Oswego Market. But 
the best work is doing, or is done, at Corbie’s tavern out near 
Washington’s headquarters, because it is near the headquarters. 
There’s a Thomas Hickey, he’s a deserter from his majesty’s ser- 
vice, and not a stickler at trifies, he’s in Washington’s own body- 
guard, and we’ve bought him soul and body. I tell you. Gov- 
ernor, before July we’ll have their guns spiked, their batteries 
blown up, every general in our hands except the Commander-in- 
chief, and that old fox will be dead.” 

•^Ht’s a great plan. Mayor Matthews, provided it doth not 
miscarry,” said Tryon. 

“ Miscarry ! I tell you, man — ^your Excellency — it can’t mis- 
carry. Why, we’ve got the whole city honeycombed with those 
who are in the plot, and the worthy guard of Washington’s body, 
Thomas Hickey, will see to it he is safe for all eternity.” 

Good, good ! ” chuckled Tryon, rubbing his hands gleefully. 


32 


DICK AND CICELY MEET ONCE MODE. 


And now if yon will do me the honor to come into my cabin 
we will drink your health, and the king’s, and confusion to his 
enemies, and success to your plot.” 

Dick picked up his Shakespeare from the folds of the sail, 
where it had fallen as he listened in horror to this cold-blooded 
scheme for the murder of an honorable foe and a noble man. 
His first thought was to escape to his own berth, for his one im- 
pulse was to defeat the base plan, and no one must know that 
he had heard it discussed. 

When he had safely reached the privacy of his own tiny sleep- 
ing place he sat down on the edge of the berth to think. It was 
terrible to him to turn on those of his own cause, but worse to 
allow Washington to he assassinated. Ho; he must warn one of 
the patriot side; hut whom ? To whom could he trust his own 
safety ? for if it were even known that it was he who had given 
the warning, death, ignominious death on the gibbet, would 
surely he his reward at the hands of Tryon. Cicely ! The very 
one ! He leaped to his feet as the thought of her occurred to 
him. She would die by torture before she would betray the secret 
of who had given her the precious information. There was no 
one who loved him more than Phil and Cicely; no one in whose 
hands he could more surely trust himself than those of his gentle, 
faithful little playmate. 

Dick was rather a favorite with Tryon, partly because he be- 
longed to an influential American Tory familj, with whom it 
w^as good policy to keep on the best terms, so when he asked leave 
of absence and the use of a light rowboat, to go over to the 
J ersey shore to spend that night and the following day and night, 
it was readily granted. 


DICK AND CICELY MEET ONCE MORE. 


33 


Early in the afternoon of the next day Cicely was sitting 
alone on the Dutch stoop of her home on Wall Street watching 
the shadows of the big trees dappling the sidewalks in the June 
sunshine, and thinking sad thoughts of her lost Dick. A woman 
came down the street carrying a hig basket, and carefully scan- 
ning each house as she passed. One of the laundresses for the 
British officers from around the Battery,’’ thought Cicely idly. 

I wonder what she does here ! ” 

The woman came slowly on, and when she ' was opposite 
Cicely she paused. 

Can you tell me the way to the Bowery Lane ? ” she asked, 
eyeing the young girl sharply. 

Cicely gave her the information, but still the woman lin- 
gered. 

Sure you must he Mistress Cicely Martin,” she said at last, 
^^for no other young maiden in New York could be so good to 
look upon, and I was to know you by that token.” 

I am Cicely Martin,” she said, blushing, and puzzled. 

And did you ever know a Mr, Eichard Watts ? ” the 
woman went on. , 

Oh, surely ! ” cried Cicely. “ He was my brother’s play- 
fellow, and mine. What of him ? ” 

Can you go to the North Eiver this afternoon, hack of 
King’s College, a quarter of a mile above Mortlike Street, and 
meet him ? He hath that to tell you which he dare not trust 
to other lips, and which is life and death to those you 
love.” 

Cicely hesitated, and grew pale. It was forbidden to hold 
communication with those on the ships under penalty of being 


34 


DICE AND CICELY MEET ONCE MORE. 


reckoned a traitor, and Dick was with Tryon on the Duchess of 
Gordon. She dared not risk it, and yet if such a message really 
had been cent by Dick she dared not fail, for he would not take 
such a step without good reason. And for a whole year she had 
not seen him ! 

^^You will pardon my apparent distrust of you, but these 
are times that call for caution, and we are forbid holding com- 
munication with the enemy,^’ Cicely said at last. How am I to 
know that Mr. Watts really sent you ? ” 

^^Ho offence, young lady; ^tis but right to be prudent. Mr. 
Watts sent this that you might be assured I came from him.” 
So saying the woman handed Cicely a little ring which she had 
given Dick on his tenth birthday, the counterpart of one she had 
given Phil at the same time. 

That settled the authenticity of the message, and, assured of 
that. Cicely dared not be absent from the meeting-place. 

What time did Mr. Watts set for me to be at the river ? ” 
she asked, slipping the ring on her little finger. 

As near to half after three as you can manage it; he will 
wait for you if you are delayed,” replied the woman, taking up 
her basket with a look of relief. He bade me tell you that he 
thought a sunbonnet and your plainest gown would be best to 
wear, and above all things keep the secret of your going from 
every human being, even your brother, striving to reach the 
shore unnoticed and unrecognized.” 

Thus, having delivered her message, the woman left Cicely 
in a state of mind Which may be imagined. It was past two 
o’clock, and little time could be wasted. Cicely ran up the wind- 
ing stairs, and shut door of her own room to prepare for the 


DICK AND CICELY MEET ONCE MORE. 


35 


expedition. She saw that the advice to dress herself in such man- 
ner that she would not he noticed nor recognized was good, for 
Dick evidently ran risk in sending for her, as his message showed, 
and there was no small danger of involving not only herself but 
her brother in trouble if she were known to have met her old 
friend, now her country’s foe. Selecting a dark gray linsey- 
woolsey dress she put it on, and pinned a quakerish kerchief 
around her shoulders. Her rebellious hair, which broke into curls 
whenever a lock strayed out, she wet and brushed and braided 
into decorum, and set upon it a deep, solemn green sunbonnet, 
very different from the coquettish little pink affair she usually 
wore. Then drawing on a pair of ill-fitting cotton gloves, and 
with one long, last look in the glass, and very probably a half sigh 
to think that Dick, who had not seen her for so long, should find 
her looking so unlike her pretty self, she opened the door and 
crept cautiously out on the landing. From the sitting-room be- 
low stairs came the soothing creak of Mrs. Mullin’s (the house- 
keeper) chair, and that good soul’s unmusical voice chanting trem- 
ulously the quaint old song with which she had sung Cicely to 
sleep. She at least was safe, darning stockings probably, or fiu- 
ting lace ruffles. Cicely cautiously descended, and then ran lightly 
through the hall, out the front door, which she did not stop to 
close behind her, and up Wall Street, across the Broad Way, and 
past Trinity to the fields beyond, through which, as safer than 
the streets, she meant to make her way to the trysting-place. 
She met with no misadventure on the way, and arrived at her 
destination fifteen minutes before the appointed time, but only 
to find Dick already waiting impatiently. 

Dick ! ” she cried, holding out her hands to him. And 


36 


DWK AWI) CICELY MEET ONCE MOuE. 


Cicely ! ’’ he made answer, seizing them, and then laughed at 
the queer figure she made. 

Dick, why have you sent for me ? ’’ Cicely asked, controlling 
her desire to cry with the joy and pain of the meeting. Do you 
know the risk I run in coming ? 

None knows it hetter,^^ he replied. “ My risk is greater than 
yours. I wonder myself why I have sent for you, and know not, 
unless it he that I hate treachery and murder, and will do what 
I can to foil it, even though it be employed for my cause.’^ 

Dick, w'hat do you mean ? ” gasped Cicely. Treachery ! 
Murder ! Whose treachery, whose murder ? 

‘^^Washington’s ! Hush ! ” he added, laying his hand upon her 
lips as she uttered a little cry. I am ashamed to betray my 
friends, hut I have openly shown my detestation of the means they 
were using, though only yesterday I learned by accident the full 
extent of the villainy plotted. I’ll fight for England till I die, hut 
I can’t stand such dastard acts as this.” He walked up and 
down as he spoke, and seemed rather to he thinking aloud to si- 
lence his last doubt of the course he was taking, than explaining 
to Cicely his reasons. 

Her eagerness to know w'hat it was that he was talking about 
made her catch him by the sleeve and say: For mercy’s sake, 
Dick, tell me what you mean ! ” 

Dick looked down at her as if awakening. Tryon has been 
bribing right and left in New York to win over men to his — to our 
side. That is well enough, I suppose, though I don’t like it. But 
David Matthews is concerned in a plot with Tryon — 

The mayor ? ” interrupted Cicely. 

Precisely. The mayor is concerned in a plot with Tryon to 


DICK AND CICELY MEET ONCE MORE. 


37 


blow up your magazines, spike the guns, capture the other gen- 
erals, and assassinate Washington/’ 

Cicely gave a little groan of horror. 

Yes,” said Dick, and that is what decided me. I cannot 
stand by while such a crime is committed. I have seen Washing- 
ton, and realize, perhaps better than those for whom he fights 
can, how devotedly and unselfishly he is working against fearful 
odds. I wish — but never mind about that. There are more con- 
cerned in this plot than will ever be known; the innkeepers are 
furthering it, several of the taverns are its headquarters. When 
I tell you that Washington’s body-guard, or at least one member of 
it, has succumbed to the glitter of Tryon’s gold, you will see the 
mischief is far-reaching. Now you know all that I dare, or think 
it right, to tell you. It is in your hands to acquaint your general 
with his danger. I can do no more, and should certainly hang 
were it known I had done so much.” 

God in heaven bless you, Dick, for doing it ! It makes me 
sick with horror to think of the danger to Washington, and to 
you, too,” cried Cicely, having listened with her face white with 
terror. Can they find you out ? How shall I know that you 
are safe ? ” 

Dick smiled, well pleased that even the danger to her country 
was second in her thoughts to his safety. I am supposed to be 
in Hopack on the Jersey shore,” he answered. ^‘1 went there 
last night alone in a rowboat from the Duchess of Gordon. In 
the night I swam across the river, and I have waited, hidden in 
the Bloomingdale woods, to meet you here. I shall go back to 
Bloomingdale when I leave you, swim over to Hopack under cover 
of darkness, and in the morning row down to the ship, and no 


.38 


DICK AND CICELY MEET ONCE MORE. 


one be the wiser that I was not in Jersey every moment of my 
ahsence.^^ 

“ And yon have done all this for a cause that you believe un- 
just ? ’’ cried Cicely. 0 Dick, surely you are a patriot at heart, 
and only your uncle holds you on the king’s side ! ” 

^^No, dear Cis; I am where I believe my duty calls me,” said 
Dick. " But I could not keep silence while this great wrong was 
done, and so I am come. I believe that we shall surely win by 
fair means.” 

And what am I to do ? ” asked Cicely. 

It is for you to find the way to warn Washington, only I 
advise you to take no one into your confidence, for there is said 
to be widespread treachery among your troops, exaggerated ’tis 
likely, but nevertheless you might give a hint to the last one who 
should know that the plot was discovered. For Phil’s own sake 
I should not tell him till it was over, for there is safety in igno- 
rance in such a case. And as for me, Cis, if any one guesses I 
have hinted this to you — ” he made an expressive motion around 
his throat, and pointed to the tree above them — my neck is in 
your hands, little Cis.” 

Cicely shuddered. It shall be safe, Dick.” 

Oh, I know,” he answered lightly. A merry heart, but a 
true one, and a playful mind, but a sensible one, are Cicely’s. 
And now, sweet Cis, you must go back, and no one can say when 
I shall see you dear face again. But remember, if we never meet, 
and I should die from one of your rebel’s shots, I have done your 
cause one service, and tried to save Washington. And one word 
more: There is not a moment to lose; Washington should be told 
to-night.” 


DICK AND CICELY MEET ONCE MORE. 


39 


Cicely was crying softly, but she nodded assent to Dick^s 
last words, and sobbed: “And must we part again thus after so 
long a separation, with no word of our own selves ? Art happy, 
Dick, and well ? 

“ Perfectly well, and as to being happy, I am graver, for these 
are grave days, and I am lonely. And you, Cis ? 

“Very lonely,’’ she sighed. “The winter was an eternity 
without you and Phil.” 

“ And now good-bye, little Cicely,” he hinted. 

* She put out both hands in farewell. “ Thank you, Dick, and 
heaven bless you ! ” she sobbed. “ Can’t you, oh, can’t you, Dick, 
warn Washington yourself, and tell him that you have espoused 
his — no, liberty’s — cause at last ? ” 

“No, I can’t do that. Cicely; I can’t do that,” Dick said sadly. 
“ Good-bye, good-bye, my dear little playmate, my little Cis. 
When ’tis all over, and you tell Phil who warned you, tell him too 
I never loved him half so dear as now.” 

Cicely turned away, her face hidden in her hands. As she 
came to a comer which would shut Dick from her eyes, she 
turned and saw him watching her out of sight. He waved his 
hand to her in a last farewell, and with another step Dick was 
lost to Cicely once more. Who could say what lay between this 
parting and their next meeting ? 


CHAPTEE IV. 


CICELY BAKES. 

Cicely crept upstairs to her own chamber unseen, feeling as 
though a year had passed since she had quitted it. In reality it 
was not full three hours, being still early — but little past five 
o’clock. Discarding her sober gown and big scuttle of a bonnet, 
she wrapped herself in her white dimity morning gown, and 
shaking her hair loose from its bondage, coiled herself up in the 
big chintz chair by the window to think. The room was hung 
with light blue paper, with bright colored birds flying across it, 
and the bed curtains and furniture covers were of bright chintz to 
match, all brought from France for her mother’s use when she 
came to the old house in Wall Street, a bride. All the rest of her 
life Cicely remembered every detail of the coloring and pattern 
of that wall paper and chintz in connection with the feelings 
with which she stared at it as she sat thinking over the problem 
her meeting with Dick had left her to solve. Eesolutely putting 
out of her mind all thought of the danger her friend was in, even 
at that very moment, for having ventured over to disclose to her 
the plot to assassinate Washington, she set her keen wits to work 
to discover a means of conveying the warning to the Commander- 
in-chief. 

Much as she longed to take Phil into her confidence she dared 

40 


CICELY DALES, 


41 


not risk involving him in danger, feeling sure that there was more 
in Dick^s hint that there was safety in ignorance than she knew. 
Furthermore, Phil was on duty somewhere in town, hut where 
she did not know, and Dick had said that there was no time to 
lose. No; she must do what was to he done alone, hut how was 
she to get to Eichmond Hill, Washington’s headquarters, a mile 
and a half out of the city that night ? — she who was afraid of her 
own shadow after dark, even when there was moonlight enough to 
cast one ? Go she must, however, and Cicely had the highest 
nourage; the courage of nerve and will that can trample on its 
own fears. She would go to Eichmond Hill, and alone; the only 
question was how to go unseen, for it must never he known who 
took the warning to Washington, lest she should he connected 
with her adopted brother in people’s minds, and thus the source 
of her information leak out. A disguise was necessary, and over 
its construction at such short notice Cicely puzzled in vain. It 
was only when she arose to get ready for supper that a thought 
occurred to her which frightened her, and yet solved her 
difficulties. 

As she opened the door of her closet she caught 'the gleam of 
a bright striped petticoat which she had once worn at a fancy 
dress minuet at the De Lanceys. The very thing; she would go 
to Eichmond Hill as a gypsy ! She hastily pulled the gay skirt 
from its hook — it had been worn three years ago, since when 
she had been industriously growing, and now it reached but half 
way below her knees; never mind, the more like a lawless gypsy, 
and unlike shy Cicely Martin. She turned the contents of her 
bureau drawers upside down on her bed, picking out a bit of silk 
here, and a ribbon there, and a string of old-fashioned gold beads. 


4 ^ 


CICELY DARES. 


till s'lie had gathered together enough crazy finery to have 
delighted the soul of any wild lass of the Eomany Eye. Then she 
smoothed herself into presentable form, and fastening her door 
behind her, went down to tea looking so pale that Mrs. Mullin 
was alarmed for her darling, and threatened her with Jesuits’ 
bark on the morrow. 

Cicely was not wise in the use of dyes, hut she made some very 
strong coffee, and returned to her room hoping a liberal use of it 
might darken her fair skin. It did; if not to the real gypsy tint, 
yet enough to change her considerably, and a red ribbon wet in am- 
monia made her pale cheeks bright in one not very natural look- 
ing spot. Her hands trembled so that she could hardly fasten her 
gorgeous skirt and pink muslin bodice about the little figure she 
had first encased in wadding to make it less slender. She suc- 
ceeded, at last, and then folded a piece of brilliant red silk over 
her shoulders for a shawl, and adorned herself with bits of ribbons 
of all colors with a liberal hand. She dared not let her bright 
hair show, lest it betray her, and knew no way of transforming 
it into the raven tint of the gypsies of romance. Her hair was so 
abundant, so wilful, and curly, that the hardest part of her task 
was to get it out of the way. Again and again she twisted it up, 
and again and again the glittering mass came tumbling about 
her shoulders, till she lost all patience and was on the point of 
cutting it off, immolating it on the altar of her country, when 
fortunately she resolved on one more trial, which was successful. 
She tied a gay Madras square over the mass of curls which she 
had made into a sort of mat on the top of her head, and over all 
set a large soft hat of Phil’s which she had found, and had 
decorated with a ribbon and feathers to make less masculine, and 


CICELY DARES. 


43 


the broad brim of which she tilted forward over her face> which 
in the last lingering look she gave herself in the glass struck her 
as having never appeared more delicate and less gypsy-like^ in 
spite of the coffee and red ribbon stains. 

Blowing ont her candle, she knelt for a moment beside her 
bed, asking God to protect her, for now that all her preparations 
were completed her heart beat so hard from fright it almost 
seemed as though her finery would be rended. 

Eising, she took the basket of odds and ends with which she 
had provided herself, as if soliciting a market for her wares. Mrs. 
Mullin had gone for a late dish of tea and gossip with a neighbor, 
and her assistant in the housework was entertaining the night 
watchman by the back gate, after the manner of New York maid- 
servants to the present hour. The coast was clear, and frightened, 
brave little Cicely slipped out unseen. 

It was not yet dark, for the June twilight is long, but though 
she passed many whom she knew, strolling down to the Battery, 
or over towards the cool banks of the river, none recognized her, 
thanks to her broad hat brim, though all stared at her, and she 
heard comments on the singularity of one young gypsy appearing 
alone, when no g^^psy encampment was known to be in the neigh- 
borhood. 

Somewhat encouraged by finding that her disguise served her 
effectually so near home. Cicely sped on, and though she was 
dreadfully frightened by three rough fellows, who, seeing her 
across the field, shouted to her to wait and tell their fortunes, she 
slipped under a hedge into the next field, and thus escaping them, 
ran all the rest of the way to Eichmond Hill, and reached its 
gates more dead than alive. 


44 


CICELY DARES. 


Who goes there ? demanded a sentinel. 

A friend/’ replied Cicely quaveringly. 

Advance, friend, and give the countersign,” said the sentinel. 

Here was a dilemma! What did Cicely know of the counter* 
sign? I have not the countersign,” the poor child said, “ but 
I. beg you to take me at once to General Washington. 1 have 
news for his ears alone, which cannot v^ait.” 

What is your name? ” 

Here was another puzzling question, for she had not thought 
what she was to he called in her new guise, and her hesitation 
was perceptible before she aliswered in the first words that came 
into her head, and with a stronger French accent than she had 
used before — for she knew no other tongue than French and her 
own, and she trusted that these Yankee soldiers would not be 
the wiser that she was not speaking Eomany — My name, sir, 
is Demi Morte. And that is true,” she thought, for I am half 
dead, and feel sure I shall he quite dead if I cannot soon get to 
his Excellency.” 

^^Look here, Sam, come over here,” called the sentinel, as 
another soldier came in sight. Here’s a gypsy wench wants to 
he taken to his Excellency. Says she hath news to tell him. 
I suppose ’tis that she wants to tell his fortune.” 

Or steal, more likely; Fve no love for gypsies. Here, girl, 
let me look at you,” said the newcomer, seizing Cicely by the arm. 

^^Ho, don’t touch me,” cried Cicely, pulling away, and for- 
getting her accent in her fright. I tell you it is life and death 
to our cause that you take me to the general.” 

Oho, listen to the way the gypsy talks English ! ” said the 
soldier, bursting into a laugh. An*d what a nice lady-like way 


CICELY DARES. 


45 


she hath of doing it ! I believe His no gypsy; tell me, girl, what 
are you ? 

It doth not concern you what I am,’’ said Cicely, her 
spirits rising under pressure of necessity. Take me to the 
general, and if you treat me rudely, I warn you that I have 
friends and protectors who will make it go hard with you.” 

Come on, then, my brave bantam chicken; whoever you are, 
a small lass like you can do little harm. Follow me.” Thus 
saying the soldier called Sam, who seemed to have some authority, 
led the way up the lawn under the trees, and Cicely followed him 
with throbbing heart to the piazza, its roof supported by large 
white columns. There was a sentinel on duty here too, but he 
let Cicely and her guide pass unchallenged, and they entered 
the broad hall. 

Take me where I can see the general alone,” she whispered, 
and the soldier, hailing a black servant who had followed Madam 
Washington from Virginia, asked where he could find his 
Excellency. 

De gen’al is busy ovah yon’er wif dispatches fum de Norf, 
sah; dah’s nobuddy wif him but young Massa Hamilton, sah,” 
said Sambo. 

The soldier stepped over to the door to which the negro had 
pointed, and knocked. Alexander Hamilton opened to the 
summons. 

Here’s a gypsy girl come out from the town, saying she hath 
news of importance for his Excellency,” said the soldier. "I 
believe she’s no gypsy, but whatever she is she wouldn’t take no 
for an answer, so I brought her in.” 

Young Hamilton looked sharply at Cicely, whose face was 


46 


CICELY DARES. 


still hidden by the broad hat. The general cannot he inter- 
rupted now/’ he began, but Cicely, who was as quick in her 
motions as a cat, sprang past him, and running straight to Wash- 
ington, knelt down, and seizing his hand fairly sobbed: 0 Ex- 
cellency, listen to me; there is a plot against your life ! Don’t 
let them send me away.” 

Shut the door, Mr. Hamilton,” said Washington. Now, 
my^good girl, who are you, and what does this mean ? ” 

I must tell you only. Excellency,” said Cicely. 

You may speak before Mr. Hamilton. Tell me who you are.” 

For answer Cicely removed her hat, and all her beautiful hair 
came tumbling about her shoulders. I am Cicely Martin,” she 
said. And no one must ever know that I came here.” 

The Commander-in-chief uttered an exclamation of surprise, 
and gently raised her. She stood blushing in her gaudy gar- 
ments, her wonderful curls falling below her waist, a picture any 
eyes might be glad in seeing. 

Sweet Mistress Cicely,” said Washington, it was but this 
afternoon that I asked your brother to bring you here. You are 
very welcome, but I fear that your visit hath cost you much. It 
must be a serious matter which hath made you venture here alone 
at night.” 

^'Your Excellency,” said Cicely, ^Hhis afternoon I received 
secret and certain information that there is on foot a plot to 
assassinate you, spike our guns, and blow up our batteries. Tryon 
hath bribed our men, with help from Mayor Matthews, and many 
of our side have succumbed to temptation; I am told one even in 
your own body-guard.” 

This is indeed a serious matter,” said ,Washington. Why — 


CICELY DARES. 


47 


may I ask how you know of it, and why you have come alone, 
at this hour, to warn me ? ” 

Because I was told that there was no time to be lost, and 
I feared to confide in any one, lest it reach the ears of the con- 
spirators that the plot was discovered/^ 

You have shown great discretion, my child, and a courage 
that many a soldier might envy,^^ said Washington heartily. 

Moral courage is yours, and physical courage too. But I must 
know more: how did you get this information ? 

0 your Excellency, please do not ask me that ! cried Cicely. 

Believe me, it is most certain. One on the other side, who 

could not silently see such a crime committed, risked his reputa- 
tion, even his life, to thwart the conspiracy, and bade me lose no 
time in warning you. More I dare not tell even you; please trust 
me, and ask no more.” 

Strange to select a young girl as the instrument of such a 
warning,” said Washington thoughtfully, but Alexander Hamil- 
ton said: I have heard one Dick Watts, a college mate of mine, 
and nephew of Counsellor Watts, and now with Tryon, speak 
most warmly of Mistress Cicely; I doubt not she was known to be 
a discreet messenger.” 

Cicely shot him a glance of such distressful appeal that 
Washington interposed kindly: Well, well, we will not con- 
jecture who hath done us so great a favor. But sure Mistress 
Cicely need fear nothing but silent gratitude towards our unknown 
benefactor, which will wait happier times in which to prove itself. 
Our men are bribed, you say, and many have proved venal ? Do 
you know more ? When was this plot to he executed ? ” 

1 do not know, your Excellency, hut I think on the coming 


48 


ClCmiT DABES. 


of the^ British troops. My informant impressed upon me that I 
must hasten, and that your own body-guard was infected,” replied 
Cicely. 

“ Ah, well; these are days in which it is hard telling whom 
to trust,” said Washington serenely. Not every one is as 
devoted as this little messenger and her brother. Dismiss all 
fear, my daughter; the matter shall be looked into. And now 
come with me to Mistress Washington; she will thank you for 
preserving her husband more, perhaps, than the state would 
thank you for preserving the Commander-in-chief.” 

Please, your Excellency, do not think me rude or un- 
grateful if 1 beg you to excuse me from such an honor to-night,” 
said Cicely. I could not meet Mistress Washington thus.” 

My little maid,” said the general gently, “ such garments 
worn for such a cause are more beautiful and dignified than 
robes of court. But,” he added, seeing how poor Cicely trembled, 
and with what difficulty she controlled her tears, ^‘it shall be as 
you wish, only you must give me your word to come back soon to 
visit us.” 

Thank you,” said Cicely in a low voice. May I beg your 
Excellency to let some one take me back, for I am so afraid.” 

Such a brave little woman to come though she be so afraid!” 
said the good general as tenderly as though she had been his own 
daughter. Do you think that I would let you go alone ? I 
should like to send you with a coach and four, and a fanfare of 
trumpets, but since no one may know you are here, Mr. Hamilton, 
who is in the secret and is your brother’s friend, will take charge 
of you, if you will accept his escort. He is not a giant,” 
Washington added, laying his hand affectionately on the shoulder 


.CICELY DABES. 


49 


of his slender young favorite, I am sure he will not let any 
harm befall you/\ 

I would rather have Mr. Hamilton go with me than any 
one,” said Cicely, simply, and Hamilton’s blue eyes lighted with 
pleasure at her confidence. 

Thank you; I shall be honored in being allowed to protect 
her who hath so nobly protected us all,” he said, bowing with 
that native grace of manner which won affection as surely as his 
marvellous talents called forth admiration. 

Good,” said Washington. And now give this brave child 
a glass of wine, Mr. Hamilton, and take her back, for I am sure 
the greatest kindness we can do her is to let her rest as soon as 
possible after the weariness which she hath borne for our sake. 
And what about these golden brown masses of hair, Mistress 
Cicely ? Will they go hack under the hat again ? ” 

Cicely plucked up heart for a tiny laugh. It matters less 
going hack, for it is darker,” she said. I think I can manage 
them.” 

But Washington, seeing her hands tremble, actually helped 
her bundle her hair into its net again, touching it as gently as a 
woman with his large hands; for his hands were large, as became 
one who held the fate of a nation in his palms. 

^^And now good night, my faithful little Mistress Cicely,” 
he said when she had drunk her wine, and Hamilton had taken 
bis hat and sw'ord. Give no more thought to the danger 
threatening me. A danger known is half conquered, and I will 
sift the matter to the bottom. I cannot thank you, but all my 
life I shall remember you with gratitude. Good nighty brave 
Mistress Cicely.” 


50 


CICELY DAEE8. 


With that he stooped from his great height, and kissed her 
little hand with all his own stately grace. But Cicely, who was 
a child still in spite of her sixteen years, seized his hand in both 
of hers saying: Good night, dear Excellency; you don’t know 

how we love you.” 

A pleasant hearing, little daughter. Good night, and all 
good attend you. Take care of her, Mr. Hamilton.” 

And so out of the hardships of the wearying night Cicely 
had won the privilege of seeing the tender, big hearted man, 
George Washington, in whom most people only knew the hero. 

Alexander Hamilton beguiled the way with pleasant chat, 
telling Cicely of his boyhood in the Indies, and longing for war 
and the chance to distinguish himself, as he toiled over the 
counting-house desk, which he detested. And Cicely found her- 
self giving him her simple confidence in return, never realizing 
until afterward how kindly and with what tact he had made her 
feel at home, forgetful of her fatigue, her anxiety, and — most 
difficult of all — her disguise. 

Don’t get over the fence, Mr. Hamilton,” Cicely said quite 
simply as they came around by the rear of her home. I am 
safe now, and not afraid. I have a key in case they have closed 
a window I left open, and I will steal in like a mouse.” 

And what if you should meet one in the dark ? ” suggested 
Hamilton mischievously. 

Oh, I should he sure to scream,” cried Cicely. Why did 
you say that, Mr. Hamilton ? I shall he afraid all the way up 
stairs.” 

After your long walk, and braving the sentinels at Rich- 
mond Hill ? ” laughed Hamilton. Varium et mutabih semper 


CICELY BABES. 


51 


faemina, which, if you have forgotten your classics, Mistress 
Cicely, means that the gentler sex is hard to explain. Good 
night; you should sleep well, for to-night you have probably 
saved New York, and the life of Washington.” 

" Good night, Mr. Hamilton, and I shall not soon forget how 
good you have been to me,” replied Cicely, dropping a curtsy 
under the horsechestnut which shaded the hack stoop. 

Once again in her little room. Cicely lay down, but not to 
sleep. The soft breeze blew from the river in at her open win- 
dow, and she wondered if Dick were safe across, and would get 
back to the ship unharmed. Every nerve quivered, and at last 
she arose to kneel with her hot cheek on the window sill, and 
look up at the moon slowly riding through the cloudless sky. Yet 
in spite of her anxiety, a great peace filled her heart, and she 
thanked God that she, even little she, had been able to serve her 
country. 


CHAPTER V. 


IN^DEPENDENCE. 

. ''' - 

Phil Martin was for some time ignorant of Cicely’s adven- 
ture, for early on the morning of the day following it he was^ 
sent by the Commander-in-chief with dispatches to Connecticut,, 
and went away too hastily to have even opportunity to bid her 
good-bye. 

Wind and weather favoring, he was able to make good time, 
and return to New York, his business accomplished, in less than 
three weeks. As he stepped from the rowboat which landed 
him from the schooner in which he had come down the Sound, 
he found the town buzzing with excitement, and joy so 
plainly written on the majority of faces, albeit some glum 
visages passed him, that he paused by a group of men talking 
with animated gestures, and inquired the reason of the universal 
excitement, if there were any news. 

News ! I should say so ! ” cried one of the men. " Haven’t 
you heard, and you wearing the Continental uniform ? ” 

In which I have pockets, but no ears,” said Phil. No, 
T have heard no news, and should be obliged to you for giving 
me it.” 

Why, man, boy, where in the name of the Continental 
Congress have you been keeping yourself ? ” asked a long, lank, 
but beaming down-easter, with an inappropriate drawl. 

53 


INDEPENDENCE. 


53 


‘^Fve been on a sailing vessel to Connecticut; how could I 
hear anything ? said Phil impatiently. “Will some one be 
so good as to tell me what has happened, and waste no time 
on me ? ” 

• “You’ve got a country, that’s what’s happened,” cried one of 
his Wall Street neighbors, coming up. “ We’re, declared Inde- 
pendent States by Congress.” 

“ Hooray ! ” shouted Phil, throwing up his hat. “ That’s news 
worth hearing. When did it come; when did Congress declare 
Independence ? ” 

“We only got the news to-day, but the Declaration of 
Independence was signed on the fourth,” replied another man. 
“ I tell you what, it makes a man’s heart beat to think we’re cut 
adrift, and are a nation ! ” 

“ It ought to give you palpitation,” said a passer-by, who had 
paused to listen with a disgusted face. “ It’s as mad as it’s out- 
rageous; you’ll be taught sense in experience’s school, and your 
precious friend Ben Franklin says fools will learn in no other.” 

“ Here, you take your long face out of this,” drawled the lank 
Vermonter, turning on the Tory threateningly. “ This here 
parliament of patriots is in no humor to put up with your 
croaking. You make yourself more scant of your maiden 
presence, as great Will Shakespeare says — who wasn’t to blame 
for being born too soon to be an American — or we’ll take you to 
our tailor’s and fit you out with a close fitting suit of tar and 
feathers.” 

Hear, hear ! ” cried the crowd, throwing up their hats, and 
the disgusted loyalist took the hint and disappeared. 

“ The Declaration is to be read to the troops, this afternoon 


54 


INDEPENDENCE, 


by the order of the Commander-in-chief/’ Phil’s neighbor said, 
turning to him. W e’re all going out to the Fields to hear it. 
I’m on my way home now, and if you are going to your house 
we will walk together.” 

Yes; I haven’t seen my sister since June — oh, it must have 
been as long ago as the middle of June,” said Phil, accepting the 
invitation. Do you know aught of her ? ” 

I know that she spent the week of the trial and execution 
at Eichmond Hill; that Madam Washington herself came in her 
coach to fetch her, and there’s a whisper afloat that there was 
some especial reason for the kindness,” said Phil’s companion. 

Trial and execution ! ” exclaimed Phil, passing over the 
honor done Cicely, though he wondered at it. Who was 
executed ? ” 

Why, bless me, you have been out of the world ! ” cried the 
other. You haven’t even heard of the plot ? ” 

Ho; what plot ? ” said Phil. 

There hath been a great plot afoot among the Tories,” 
replied his friend. " The whole city would have fallen into the 
hands of the British if it had been successful. We call it the 
Tryon plot, for he was the mainspring of it, with David Mat- 
thews, our precious mayor, for chief agent. Unluckily, when 
General Greene surrounded his house, and captured him, his 
papers had all been taken care of, and they didn’t get one. So, 
though we know him guilty, he could only be imprisoned. But 
we hung Thomas Hickey, of Washington’s body-guard, high and 
tight in the fleld by the Bowery Lane.” 

Thomas Hickey ! Why, I always thought him a decent 
fellow ! ” cried Phil. 


Independence. 


65 

So did we all, till it was proved that he was to attend to 
murdering Washington; that displeased the public,” said his 
companion dryly, and he was hung up as a reward for his 
virtues.” 

“ Served him right ! ” ciied Phil. “ I seem to have missed 
a good deal in these three weeks’ absence.” 

They had halted before the door of Phil’s home for these final 
words, and bidding his companion good day, Phil entered. 

He was met in the hall by Mrs. Mullin, who took him into 
her capacious embrace, calling heaven to witness her gratitude 
that he had come safely home, to the lad’s no slight annoyance, 
for he found it harder than Cicely did to be . patient with 
his old nurse’s forgetfulness that her charges were grown 
up. 

Mistress Cicely hath gone up to Walton House to a tea 
drinking, to which she was bid. ’Tis a large company, and you 
were bidden too, my beauty hoy,” she said. “ ’Tis for young and 
old, and Mistress Cicely hade me say to you if you should get here 
this afternoon, as she hoped you would, that you were to follow 
her.” 

Tea drinking ! Pve no mind for tea drinking when there’s 
such news come ! ” exclaimed Phil. I came to take Cicely to 
hear the reading of the Declaration of Independence to the 
troops. But I’ll go to Walton House after her.” 

^^Yes, it’s independent we’re to be, isn’t it, Mr. Philip?” 
said Mrs. Mullin. It seems a pity, now doesn’t it, and the king 
so long over us, ever since the days of good Queen Bess, which 
was a good spell ago, as I understand it.” 

Oh, you don’t understand it. Nurse Mullin; it was the most 


56 


INDEPENDENCE. 


glorious day, five days ago, when they signed that paper that 
declared us free, that ever rose on America ! cried PhiL 

Is it really so, now ! Well, well; most like you know best, 
but we were very comfortable here, and they do be saying the king 
will come over and take all our property,” sighed Mrs. Mullin, 
with regretful thoughts of her forfeited well being. 

Stuff and nonsense ! We’ll take his throne from him rather ! 
Don’t fash your beard with such thoughts, Nurse Mullin,” said 
PhiL 

“ My beard ! Sure it’s only a small mold I have, and it’s 
not kind of you, Philip, to be twitting me with it ! ” cried his old 
nurse flushing. 

’Twas only a manner of speaking the Scotch have, nurse 
dear. I meant nothing by it,” said Phil kissing her. Then he ran 
away to make himself ready for Walton House, and avoid further 
complications. 

Phil found Cicely the centre of a group of girls, all talking 
at once, and with passionate earnestness — -most unlike a merry 
band of maidens gathered together to enjoy themselves. As he 
entered the spacious parlor, and crossed over to where these 
younger guests were seated. Cicely sprang to her feet with a glad 
cry, and fairly ran into his arms before them all. 

Ah, Philip Martin,” cried one of the Livingstones, as Phil 
disengaged himself, embarrassed by an embrace under the fire of 
so many bright and laughing eyes. “ Not every brother is held 
so dear. ’Tis glorious news you have come into the hearing of. 
We were discussing it as you entered.” 

That it is,” cried Phil, and though so long hoped for, ’tis 
hard to believe that anything so good can be true.” 


INDEPENDENCE. 


57 


“ Good ! ” exclaimed a dark-haired girl, tossing her head, with 
her cheeks crimsoning. ''It is quite the maddest thing I ever 
heard of, and thus my father thinks it. Declaring yourselves 
free and independent doesn^t make you so. My dog may hark 
defiance, hut I can whip him into obedience, because I am 
stronger than he.” 

" Sure Mistress Barbara De Lancey is too kind to wield a 
whip,” said Phil bowing. 

" Not when the punishment be just,” retorted the girl 
haughtily. " You’ll see, you rebels, whether the king be too kind 
to whip you in any case.” 

Cicely caught Peggy Livingstone’^s hand, and the hand of one 
of the Jay and Beekman girls, and began dancing around Barbara 
De Lancey chanting: "Long live the United and Independent 
States of America ! God save ” 

" The king,” interrupted Mistress De Lancey, laughing, yet 
angry. 

" No, no; God save the United States ! ” shouted all four girls, 
in charus. 

"I suppose Mr. Philip here hath come in his rebel uniform 
to gloat over this precious performance,” said the De Lancey girl. 

"Not I; I will spare you, in pity that you have no share in 
this greatest event in history. I am come to take my sister to 
hear the great document read to the soldiers. I would not like 
her to miss the first hearing of a declaration so solemn, so 
mighty. Cicely, if you will make your excuses to your hostess, 
1 think it time we were starting.” 

Cicely dropped the fan with which she had been cooling her 
cheeks, for it was the ninth of July, and the night was warm for 


58 


independengK 


triumphant dancing. Indeed I would not miss it, PhiV^ she 
cried. I will get my hat, and bid Mistress Walton good night, 
and be back in a moment.” 

And will any of you come with us ? ” asked Phil courteously, 
though he longed to see his sister alone. ^^^Twould be worth 
seeing the birth of a nation. Mistress De Lancey.^^ 

No, I thank you, sir,” replied the young loyalist, dropping 
him a stately curtsy in her rustling brocade. I prefer my 
mother England to a day-old youngster, even allowing a nation 
is bom, which I venture to doubt.” 

Good night, then,” said Phil, Peggy Livingstone having 
declined for the others an invitation they all longed to accept, 
as he saw Cicely with her hat and mitts respectfully making her 
adieus to her hostess, and together the brother and sister sallied 
forth. 

The streets were alive with people setting towards the various 
barracks of the troops, at each of which Washington had ordered 
to be read the Declaration which gave them a nation, and not 
merely a principle for which to fight. Every one had hung out 
some sort of decoration, and the old town had taken on a gala 
appearance to which each beaming face that passed them con- 
tributed. Bells were ringing, and the people were shouting, but 
there were no salvos of artillery, for the new-born nation was 
poor, and there was no powder to waste. 

I have so much to tell you, Phil,” said Cicely under cover 
of the noise. So much hath happened to me.” 

And I am told that you have been for a visit to Eichmond 
Hill, with Mistress Washington,” said Phil. ^^’Twas a great 
lionor.” 


INDEPEKDENGE. 


59 


A great kindness still more/^ said Cicely. Busy and care- 
laden as he is, the general remembered how hard for me it would 
he to endure the days when those who had conspired against him 
were brought to trial, and that wretched Hickey was hung ; so 
he sent for me to pass those days at the headquarters.” 

I cannot see, Cicely, why you should have felt so much 
sympathy as you seem to hint for such a base criminal as that 
traitor,” said Phil wondering. 

^^Hot that,” murmured Cicely, in his ear,^^but’twas I revealed 
the plot, and however had a man may he it is not easy for a girl 
to feel she was the cause of his death. But ’twas his or Wash- 
ington's, and I am glad, or try to he, that I could do it.” 

You, Cicely, revealed the plot ? ” exclaimed Phil, stopping 
short to stare at her. 

Oh, hush; you will he heard,” said Cicely, pulling him along. 
Yes, yes, it was I, hut I cannot tell you the long story now. 
Wait till we are alone together. Hark ! I hear some one be- 
ginning to read.” 

They had reached the Fields by this time, and the words 
It becomes necessary for one nation ” floated to them over the 
heads of the crowds. Pushing their way through the people, 
they won a good position, and listened for the flrst time, with 
tear-wet eyes and throbbing hearts, to that great document with 
which frequent repetitions have made us familiar, but which more 
than a century has not rendered less solemn — the Declaration of 
Independence. 

When the last syllable was finished, silence fell for an instant 
on the great throng, and then one mighty roar rent the air. 

Come on, boys,” cried a voice. “ Wefll pull down the 


60 


INDEPENDENCE. 


-statue of the king in the Bowling Green.” It was a most wel- 
come suggestion to a crowd longing for a vent for their over- 
charged feelings. With one impulse every one turned, and ran 
down the Broad Way to the little Bowling Green, where the 
gilded leaden statue of King George sat on his horse in serene 
unconsciousness that he had lost his colonies. 

Eopes, bring ropes ! ” cried a self constituted leader, and in a 
moment they were produced from some mysterious source. The 
temptation was too much for Phil, only a big boy still, though 
plunged into the gravity of a war and the making of a nation. 
He could climb like a squirrel, and releasing himself from Cicely’s 
hand, he swung himself up on the pedestal of the statue, caught 
the end of a. rope thrown up to him, and began scaling the hind 
leg of the horse. For a moment he stood on the animal’s broad 
back, waving his hat, and shouting, the crowd responding, then 
clapping his leaden majesty on the shoulder, he wound the rope 
firmly around his neck, and sprang down. Others had followed 
his example, and had fastened ropes to the .horse’s legs. All was 
now ready, and willing hands seized the ropes. 

Kow, boys, all together ! ” shouted Phil, who seemed natu- 
rally to take the command. 

Some one in the crowd having a sense of humor began to sing 
God save the king.” Sticks and stones rained on the statue* 
they all pulled, pulled, pulled, and sang and sang, and cheered 
and cheered. 

Look out, boys: he’s tottering,” Phil yelled, as the mighty 
leaden mass swayed on its base, and then fell with a fearful 
crash. 

Sic semper tyronnis” cried a wag as it fell. 


INDEPENDENCE. 


61 


Long live the free, Independent and United States ! Death 
to tyrants ! ” shouted the crowd, but it was a crowd given over to 
fun and not disposed to be serious. 

What shall we do with it ? asked some one, surveying the 
shattered pieces of the statue. It really was a good work of art, 
and it was a pity to destroy it so ruthlessly, though no one 
thought so then. 

Melt it up for bullets to mix with the brains of his real ma- 
jesty’s troops,” cried Phil, and the suggestion was hailed with 
rapturous applause, and actually carried out. 

Phil returned to Cicely very warm, hut exceedingly happy. 
"Well, we’ve torn down the semblance of royalty, and Congress 
hath dethroned the sovereign. I wonder what the end will he,” 
he said, tucking his little sister under his arm, and hastening 
towards home, for he riiust yet return to Richmond Hill, where he 
was stationed, having the happiness of being one of Washington’s 
military family. 

" Shame, Phil Martin, even to hint a doubt of the end ! ” cried 
Cicely. "’Tis impious to doubt. I Icnow we shall conquer; 
hardly, it may he, hut none the less surely. Do you suppose the 
God who rolled hack the Red Sea is not able to bring us into the 
Land of Promise ? Remember what Father Farmer once told us 
was a saying of St. Teresa’s: ^ Teresa alone can do nothing, but 
Teresa and God Almighty can do anything.’ ” 

" Fear not for me, little sister,” Phil replied. " My doubt is 
not worthy the name. I too feel sure we shall conquer, but I see 
more clearly than you do, being one of the soldiers of the Great 
Cause, how utterly unready we are to meet the well-fed, well- 
clad, thoroughly trained veterans of Europe. But we are de- 


62 


INDEPENDENCE. 


dared Independent, and with God^s help we’ll be so in very truth. 
Good night/’ he added, kissing her, for they had accomplished 
the short distance around to Wall Street. 

Cicely stood watching Phil’s figure disappear up the hill. Her 
pulses throbbed too wildly to allow her to go at once into the *quiet 
house. As she waited, letting the breeze toss her curls and cool 
her fiushed cheeks, a woman stepped out of the shadow; it was the 
laundress who had brought the message from Dick. Thrusting 
a slip of paper into her hand the woman disappeared without 
a word. The light from the fan-shaped transom over the door 
allowed Cicely to read the one line written on it: One who was 
in Jersey hath rowed safely hack,” it ran; no more. 

Oh, thank God ! ” said Cicely aloud, raising a happy face to 
the stars. “ Dick is safe.” 


CHAPTER VI. 


IN BATTLE. 

It was the 27th of August in the same glorious year of Inde- 
pendence, and two hours before dawn New York was aroused 
from her slumbers by the dull roar of distant artillery. The 
slumbers had not been profound; for several weeks the little city 
had been trembling before the menace of the presence of Ad- 
miral Howe’s fleet in the bay, and the troops on Staten Island 
under his brother, the general. For three days the terror of the 
panic-stricken town had been tense; the attack was expected from 
hour to hour, and when the voices of the big guns awoke every 
one to the knowledge that the moment had actually arrived, 
perhaps it was vdth a sense of relief that the dread of waiting 
was over that the frightened New Yorkers rushed into the streets. 

Phil’s heart, at least, leaped with joy at the summons. His 
duties had kept him by Washington’s side, who dared not quit his 
post till he could be sure the city was not to be the point of attack, 
and Phil had fumed with impatience as he saw Alexander Hamil- 
ton, and others of his young comrades, march away with the 
troops to join General Greene’s forces on Long Island. But 
now the cannon were giving tongue over there behind Brooklyn 
heights, and Phil knew that he would he free to go where they 
were announcing the prey. No lad in old England ever mounted 

63 


64 


IN BATTLE. 


more gladly to ride to hounds than Phil sprang on Brown Bess 
to follow his general across the river to that fatal field. 

Not a word was spoken on the way over. Washington sat on 
his horse, well up in the how of the barge, the reins hanging 
loosely over his wrist, his eyes fastened with concentrated anxiety 
of gaze on the heights crowned by the American works, behind 
which the battle was raging. Instantly the prow touched shore 
the general spurred his horse, and, followed by Phil, galloped 
up the heights, and gained the works without the loss of a 
moment. On the other side they reined up, and looked down on 
the smoking field. They had arrived just in time to see the 
catastrophe of Howe’s flank movement upon Sullivan, and for a 
moment both the general and his young aide watched in silent 
horror the battle of Long Island. 

The Americans had just been driven from the redoubt they 
had occupied on the wooded heights near the village of Bedford. 
They were fighting desperately, but hemmed in as they were 
between the Hessians in front and the British in the rear, they 
stood no chance, and were being slaughtered like rabbits in a 
burrow. Further down, on the coast road, the Commander-in- 
chief could see the danger threatening Stirling’s force, of which 
the doomed corps was still ignorant. Lord Cornwallis, with the 
British reserve, was marching down a cross-road to get in the rear 
of Stirling’s brigade, thus cutting off their retreat as well as 
placing them between two fires. 

Washington sat motionless on his horse viewing the dangerous 
situation through his glass, and Phil beside him also watched 
the movement through his telescope. 

Oh, if I could only get there to warn them ! ” he muttered. 


m BATTLE. 


65 


Washington made a motion for silence, as if he conld not hear 
to hear uttered his own longing. The enemy was between 
Stirling and the American lines, hut it was evident he hoped to 
gain them by an indirect course, for he struck out towards a 
creek, fordable at low water, and which might have been crossed 
if done quickly, though the tide was coming in. But there was 
Cornwallis, of whose presence Stirling did not know, and with 
whom he suddenly came face to face as he set out to execute this 
plan. 

He must surrender, he will surrender; resistance is hopeless,’^ 
murmured Washington, stirring uneasily. But to the horror of 
the Commander-in-chief Stirling did nothing of the sort. He 
immediately attacked Cornwallis with half of Smallwood’s bri- 
gade, brave Maryland boys, the majority no older than Phil him- 
self. There; was no hope of victory in the mad, gallant charge; 
the only thought was that this little band of heroes in dying could 
cover the retreat of the rest of Stirling’s command. 

At the sight, Washington dropped his glass, shaken for once 
out of the calm his strong self-restraint imposed on himself. 
His face twitched with pain; he wrung his hands, and fairly 
sobbed out, with the tears raining down his cheeks: Good God ! 
What brave fellows I must lose this day ! ” 

Phil’s telescope slipped from his cold fingers. He could 
scarcely move his lips to say hoarsely, pointing to the field: 
^^Let me go.” 

^^You too?” said Washington, looking at him tenderly 
through his tear-wet lashes. '' Go then, and if yoii can rally any 
of the fugitives from Sullivan’s command and bring them here 
in safety, do so.” 


66 


m BATTLE. 


f hil did not dally on receiving the coveted permission to go 
into the action. Setting spurs to his horse, he rode down to the 
plain below. At first his descent shut the battle from his sight, 
but soon it burst upon him again, and the spectacle was one to try 
the soul of an old campaigner, and to paralyze a boy looking on 
carnage for the first time. Smallwood’s boys were fighting like 
heroes, as they were. Again and again they were broken, and 
again and again they rallied, renewing the unequal combat, dying, 
the gallant Maryland boys, as though that were the coveted end 
of that dread August day. It really seemed for a moment as 
though their courage and resolution might drive Cornwallis from 
his post, but he was reinforced, and if there had been any hope 
of such an end it was gone forever. There was a field of com 
waving in the hot air — how softly it was whispering and rustling 
if only the din of death had allowed it to be heard ! — and among 
its nool green blades many of the brave lads were bayoneted. 

There was nothing to be done here, and Washington had 
ordered Phil to form, and bring in safety to the heights, the 
fugitives of Sullivan’s brigade; remembering this he rode up again 
towards the village of Bedford. Though the rout of the Ameri- 
cans at this point had been so complete, there was still some 
fighting going on between small squads of the broken forces and 
the enemy. As Phil came up he saw what was apparently the 
end of a hand-to-hand conflict between a young British officer 
and an American. The Englishman’s horse had been killed, and 
had fallen on him in such a way as to imprison his rider fast 
under his carcass. The American had first disarmed him, and 
was drawing his pistol to make an end of his foe as Phil caught 
sight of them. Shocked at the thought of thus taking advantage 


m BATTLE. 


67 


of a helpless man, he spurred his horse, and waving his sword 
in the air, shouted Hold ! ” with all the power of his vigorous 
young lungs. The American paused, hesitated, and Phil seized 
his opportunity. 

Don’t shoot ! ” he yelled. I’m from Washington. I forbid 
it.” 

We’ve no orders to spare their lives,” growled the American, 
angry, yet not daring to disobey. 

^^We ought not to need orders to be Christians and not 
brutes,” retortefd Phil. No one called a man would shoot a 
defenceless enemy in cold blood. Put up your pistol; the man 
shall he made a prisoner.” 

His voice was hoarse from excitement and smoke, and he had 
been standing with his face turned from the subject of the dis- 
pute. You will yield yourself my prisoner, sir,” he now said, 
turning to the fallen officer. Instantly he fell back, and then, 
with an inarticulate cry, ran forward, and threw himself, sobbing, 
on his knees beside his captive, who, looking up, exclaimed only: 

Phil ! ” and then was silent. 

0 Dick, Dick,” cried Phil, trying in vain to master the sur- 
prise, and joy, and grief of this meeting. To think of finding 
you here, of seeing you again thus ! ” 

Don’t, Phil, old hoy, don’t feel badly,” said Dick, speaking 
with difficulty. It is a hit hard to hear, hut I owe you my life; 
thank God, it was not against one another fighting we met.” 

‘‘ But it might have been,” Phil whispered, shuddering. If 
you’re with Howe I swear I’ll ask Washington to send me North 
to Schuyler. I’ll never dare stand up against the enemy after 
to-day, unless it’s Burgoyne’s army instead of Howe’s. I’d 


68 


IN BATTLE. 


think every red coat might cover my dear old Dick. What am T 
to do with you, though cried Phil, suddenly starting to his feet. 
“You’re a prisoner, I have no right to set you free, yet — Oh, 
for heaven’s sake, Dick, join us; this is unbearable.” 

“Maybe we can settle it honorably, and comfortably,” said 
Dick, half smiling at Phil’s perplexity, though sharing his sense 
of the horror of love and duty being divided. “ I have a prisoner 
of my own, a fine young rebel captain, and perhaps we can ex- 
change; I giving him to you for my own liberty.” 

“ What right have we to exchange prisoners ? That is a 
matter for our superiors to settle,” said Phil doubtfully. 

“ True, but I can make it all right with General Howe, if you 
can arrange with Washington,” said Dick. “ And if he con- 
tinues angry, bid Cicely tell him all the story she knows of, and 
he will forgive you.” 

“ So be it,” replied Phil, looking wonderingly at his friend, 
but warned into silence by his glance. “ Help me lift this horse 
oft Captain Watts’ side, and I will be responsible for him to the 
Commander,” he added turning to the American who had so 
nearly put an end to Dick. The man obeyed, though with 
manifest reluctance. 

“How bring forth your prisoner, Dick, and then be free,” 
said Phil, as his friend rose painfully. 

“ You don’t mean to let him go with no surety that he will 
come back ! ” growled the dissatisfied American. 

“ Surety ! Why, man, this gentleman has been my more than 
brother siuce I could first walk ! I could have no better surety 
than his word,” cried Phil, and the soldier was silent. 

In less than half an hour Dick returned, bringing a young 


m BATTLE. 


69 


American whom Phil knew slightly, and who had been wounded 
in the attack on Sullivan. 

“ Here is my prisoner, Philip, and I am glad to receive my 
life and freedom from your dear hand,’^ said Dick. 

The two friends laid their hands on each othePs shoulders, 
and stood thus, looking at each other in silence and seeing but 
dimly. 

“ Good-bye, Phil,” said Dick at last. Don’t grieve. Eemem- 
her that you have saved my life, and God bless you.” 

Good-bye, God bless you too, Dick, and grant we meet — ” 
Phil’s voice quivered, and broke. He laid his cuff across his eyes 
with a boyish movement, and when he looked up again Dick had 
disappeared in the clouds of smoke and dust still hanging over 
the fatal field. 

By an effort Phil pulled himself together, and turned to his 
two comrades. His Excellency hath sent me to rally and bring 
into orderly retreat the fugitives of Sullivan’s command,” he 
said. Yonder is a shorter cut to the heights, which I advise 
you to take, as the approach may be cut off at any moment by 
Howe’s army. I will go along the line of the woods to see if I 
can carry out his Excellency’s order.” 

Hastening along the woods, yet moving cautiously, for he was 
liable at any moment to come upon an enemy, Phil pursued his 
course with a heavy heart. An opening in the brushwood, as he 
rode, suddenly revealed to him a sight that made him forget all 
personal matters, and urge his horse onward at its best speed. 

With his back against a tree stood an American, a Con- 
necticut man as was shown by his faded red uniform a survival 
of the French wars — and the shape of his hat. Beside him was a 


70 


IN BATTLE, 


slender lad, looking not a day more than twelve years old, and 
both were defending themselves desperately, though not hope- 
lessly, against two strapping Hessians. The lad’s only weapon 
was a converted scythe; the man had a bayonet, but both Hessians 
were armed with bayonets and swords. The unequal contest 
would not have lasted even as long as it had had it not been for 
the extraordinary agility of the American, and the Hessians’ 
heavy boots, which did not allow them to move with even the 
usual speed of their big bodies. Just as Phil came within range, 
and levelled his pistol, hoping to deliver his brother-at-arms, the 
man’s foot slipped on the carpet of pine needles on which he 
stood, and in an instant the bayonet of one of the Hessians had 
spitted his hack. The cry, or rather the groan, with which the 
boy uttered the one word Father ! ” reached Phil’s ears, and 
then his bullet whistled through the air, and the other Hessian 
dropped. Phil had another pistol in his holster, but did not draw 
it. Dashing up with drawn sword he fell on the murderer of the 
poor American, whose bayonet had become entangled in the 
clothing of his victim, and which he was vainly trying to with- 
draw. Seeing how pressing was his danger, he gave up the 
attempt, and throwing himself into an attitude of defence, drew 
his short sword. He was an enormous fellow, and Phil had no 
knowledge of sword play, yet he felt no fear, for he was possessed 
only by a desire to save the boy, and fury at what he had just 

m 

seen. His attack was unscientific, but it was fierce. The 
Hessian parried it easily, and made a thrust that would have done 
mischief had it not been that the boy for whom he was fighting 
parried it with his sc3dhe blade, and Phil escaped. The Hes- 
sian turned on the boy and raised his sword for a stroke, which. 


m BATTLE. 


n 


had it fallen, would have cleft his little opponent through the 
body. It never did fall, however; Phil raised his sword; a swift 
flash, and a swish through the air, and the right hand of the 
Hessian, holding the sword, fell on the ground as the boy stepped 
safely aside. Though not understanding German, Phil recog- 
nized the force of the curse the big brute hurled at him, but it 
did not give him any serious uneasiness. 

You are my prisoner,^^ he said, but the Hessian spoke 
enough English to deny this with an oath, drawing his knife 
with his left hand. He had been so thoroughly taught that he 
fought better with that than Phil with his right one, but the 
pain of his bleeding right stump confused him, and the first 
stroke merely scratched Phil. He raised his arm for a second 
blow, but the young American had learned something. Stooping 
a little he made a swift, straight lunge forward, and a trifle to 
the left; the big Hessian fell without a sound. 

It is not the pleasantest sensation the first time one pulls his 
sword out of the flesh of a man into whom he has plunged it, and 
Phil looked pale as he did it, but having done it, and without 
waiting to see whether or not his adversary was dead, he turned 
his attention to the American beside whose body the boy had at 
once knelt when he saw they were safe. 

He was quite dead; of that there could be no doubt even to 
Phil’s inexperience. The bayonet had transfixed his heart, and 
the point, having passed completely through his body, still pinned 
him to the ground. 

Phil put his arm over the poor lad’s shoulder. Come,” he 
said, ^^we cannot help him; he has died for liberty, and would 
wish you to save yourself. There isn’t a moment to lose; come.” 


72 


IN BATTLE. 


I don’t want to be saved, if he is dead/’ said the boy. I 
haven’t any one else to care what becomes of me. Take your 
horse, sir, and leave me here.” 

Not for the wide world,” said Phil emphatically. Haven’t 
you a country to live for ? Is the cause won by to-day’s defeat ? 
Shame, to let grief turn you into a coward ! You must fight for 
the liberty for which your father died. Get up behind me, for 
I will never leave you.” 

He was a brave little soldier and he responded to the prick as 
Phil felt sure he would. You’re right,” he said, getting up 
from his knees. I’ll come. Take those Hessians’ clothes; our 
men need them.” 

It was a good suggestion, and Phil went over to his former 
adversary, who was not dead, though not far from it, and they 
stripped him, as well as his comrade, of their arms and clothing, 
which they kid over Brown Bess’ neck. 

It hurts me to leave him thus,” said the boy, looking with 
quivering lips at his father’s body lying face downward in the 
grass, the cruel bayonet between his shoulders. 

You are not leaving him thus,” said Phil, his own voice 
husky. You know that he is not there. We will take his fame 
to Washington, and you shall live as bravely as he died, for his 
sake.” 

‘‘ Yes,” said the lad. Let me cut off a button and a lock 
of hair, and then I will go with you.” 

Phil bared his head, and watched silently as this was done. 

'^Now I am ready,” said the little soldier, raising his blue 
eyes to Phil, tearless and dilated. They mounted Brown Bess 
without another word, and rode away, leaving the American and 


m BATTLE. 


73 


the Hessians wrapped in the great mystery which silences love 
and hate. 

They made their way hack to the heights without further 
adventure. The works were alive with the incoming survivors 
of the disastrous day, and there was no chance for Phil to do 
more than report his safety to the Commander-in-chief. He had 
not had an opportunity to rally, and bring back any men from 
the field, yet he was not dissatisfied with his share of the battle, 
and that he had been able to save Dick, and the boy who was 
following him like a shadow. 

You have not told me your name,” Phil said, as they turned 
from Washington’s presence. 

I am David Beaton,” said the lad. My mother died three 
years ago, and since then I have been with — with my father, you 
know. We’re from Connecticut, but there’s nobody left there 
belonging to us.” 

"Belong to me. Pm Phil Martin. I’m enough older than 
you to look after you, yet young enough to be your friend. Are 
you thirteen ? ” 

" Fourteen,” said David. 

" And I’m eighteen. We’ll stick together if you will; what do 
you say ? ” 

" I’ll be grateful,” said David simply, and not as most boys 
would have spoken. "And by-and-by, when I am able, I shall 
be glad.” 

And so the bargain was struck, and with a new friend and 
responsibility Phil went to wrap himself in his blanket, and rest 
after the wearying day. 


CHAPTEK VII. 


m THE FRIENDLY FOG. 

Not in vain had the heavy firing echoed over the battle- 
field. It had summoned together the clouds, and all through the 
next day the rain fell in torrents, driving the British, intrenched 
close to the American works, within their lines, and winning one 
more day of respite from attack for the little band of patriots on 
the heights. 

David Beaton was very ill. Phil had passed a sleepless night 
bathing his burning head and hands, hoping that the morning 
would find him better able to face his lonely lot. But in the 
morning he was worse, nor did he improve after the army doctor 
had bled him. 

^Tis his brain,” said that kind but overworked man, too busy 
with the many wounds the battle had brought to his care to spend 
much time on one little lad. ’Tis his brain,” he repeated, wip- 
ing his lancet. Keep his head cool, and give him a draught of 
this mixture every hour. It is a poor place for a sick child.” 

It w^as indeed. Pew of the men had any shelter, and though 
Phil, being one of Washington’s own military family, did possess a 
portion of a tent, which he shared with young Hamilton, there 
were not many comforts in it, and his heart sank as he looked 
at his charge, lying with parched lips, his restless fingers picking 

74 


IN THE FRIENDLY FOG. 


-^5 

at the blanket, and his head perpetually rolling on the hard pil- 
low Phil had improvised, and he feared that though he would 
do his best for him, David would follow his father on his long 
march. 

There was little sleep in the American lines an the second 
night after the battle, for just before nightfall the enemy had 
come forth in the rain and begun breaking ground within five 
hundred yards of the works, as if intending to carry them by ap- 
proaches, and every man knew that, though their chance of vic- 
tory was slender in an assault, there was absolutely no hope for 
them in a siege. 

The slow coming light of the second morning showed every- 
thing shrouded in a fog so heavy that even the new and close in- 
trenchment of the enemy was invisible. Every sound was 
deadened and the Americans could only guess what fate lay 
wrapped in the thick mist enveloping friend and foe. 

David lay hahhling incoherently of places and people whom he 
had known, sometimes starting up with a cry of horror as his 
delirious eyes fancied they saw again the bayonet-thrust that 
stabbed his father. Poor Phil felt that he could never speak 
aloud, smile, nor move naturally again. It was a hard experience 
for a young fellow who knew nothing of sickness, and he dis- 
covered that it takes more courage to sit hour after hour in the 
dread silence of night watches by a sick bed than to rush on the 
field of battle amid the roaring of the big guns. His heart heat 
joyfully when he received an order to come to the tent of 
Adjutant-general Peed, and leaving David in the care of another 
he obeyed it. 

^^Mr. Martin,’^ said Colonel Peed, as Phil entered the tent, 


76 


IN THE FRIENDLY FOG, 


and wiped the thick fog from his lashes, General Mifflin and I 
axe to ride to Eed Hook with Colonel Grayson of Virginia, hoping 
that there the fog will allow us to see something of the enemy’s 
movements. You will accompany us, if you please.” 

May I return to my tent to make certain arrangements ? ” 
asked Phil, almost in a whisper. 

What do you say ? ” cried Colonel Eeed. Why, boy, speak 
up ! What are you whispering for like a timid schoolgirl ? ” 

Phil blushed and looked bewildered. I can’t rightly know 
where I am,” he said, aloud this time. For two nights and a 
day I have been nursing brain fever. I think the whole world, 
and war itself, hath stopped. I feel lost, and muffled.” 

Yes, I know the feeling,” said Colonel Eeed kindly. But 
wake up now, and forget the hospital side of your experience. 
Get your horse saddled, and join us at the southern gate of the 
works.” 

Phil obeyed, and in a quarter of an hour the four riders were 
galloping through the fog down towards Eed Hook, fearing at 
every moment to stumble upon the enemy surrounding them 
in a semi-circle. 

Over and over again in the course of the long struggle which 
ended in the freedom of America it seemed that Providence was 
fighting the battle of the colonies, so perfectly did events concur 
with their necessities. So, on this day, as Colonel Eeed and Gen- 
eral Mifflin, with Colonel Grayson and Phil behind them, reined 
up on the little point which was then called Eed Hook, a light 
breeze sprang up, lifting the fog, and revealing the British fleet 
at its moorings off Staten Island. There was a bustle of prepara- 
tion about the ships; dispatch boats were coming and going, and 


m THE FRIENDLY FOG, 


nn 

Admiral Howe’s ship was the centre of a movement evidently por- 
tending something. 

General Mifflin struck his boot with his riding-whip. By 
all that’s good/’ he cried, ^‘the rascals are getting ready, if 
this wind holds, and the fog lifts, to come up the bay when 
the tide serves, silence these poor little batteries of ours down 
here, and anchor behind our works in the East Eiver. If they 
succeed in that we are cut off from New York, and more hope- 
lessly lost than Pharao’s army in the Eed Sea.” 

You’re right. General,” said Colonel Eeed, “ and there’s no 
time to be lost getting hack to warn the general.” 

The little party turned and rode at top speed up the road they 
had just descended. 

Phil had hardly returned to his tent, and taken his place again 
beside David, than a summons from the Commander-in-chief 
called him to Washington’s tent, which he entered to find him 
surrounded by his officers, whose grave and anxious faces were 
turned towards him as he appeared. 

Mr. Martin, nay. Captain Martin, as I believe you have the 
right to he called,” said Washington, we have sent for you be- 
cause we must have a messenger on whose secrecy, discretion and 
dispatch we can depend, and because you are already acquainted 
with the revelation we have received of the enemy’s movements.” 

Phil bowed in acknowledgment of the implied praise in his 
beloved chief’s words. 

It hath just been decided that we will remove to New York 
this very night the entire army, with all munitions of war. You 
already know our reasons for this, and that we are menaced with 
utter destruction by being cut off from the city. It is a task of 


78 


m THE FRIENDLY FOG, 


immense difficulty to remove this army, for the enemy is within 
earshot. It is the sole chance of safety, however, and must be 
taken. You are to go to Colonel Hughes, the quartermaster, and 
bid him impress everything that floats, from Spyt den Duivel 
around to Hell Gate on the Sound, both large crafts and small, 
and have them here by evening. I will not write these orders, 
lest some evil chance befalling you the secret leak out, and the 
task can only be accomplished by such secrecy as the smallest 
syllable would mar. Do not tell even Colonel Hughes the purpose 
for which these boats are required. You are but to repeat my 
order, and bid him hasten as he never hastened before to fulfil it. 
I need add no more for you to see what hangs on your speed and 
manner of discharging your duty. You have understood ? 

“ Yes, your Excellency, and I will do my best,” Phil replied. 

If I doubted that I would not send you,” said Washington. 

Go.” 

Phil bowed, and left the tent without another word. He must 
not delay a moment, and indeed David and alt else was forgotten 
in the excitement with which this great plan had filled him. He 
ran down the steep hill which was crowned by the American 
works, slipping, swinging over rocks by the wet branches of the 
sumachs, stumbling in the fog, but picking himself up, and run- 
ning on till he reached the bank of the East Eiver. There still 
lay the barge in which he had crossed with the general before the 
battle — was it a day, or a year ago, or had he dreamed it all ? 
Nothing seemed natural to Phil, and time had lost all likeness to 
itself, but he did not stop to consider such matters then. A small 
boat with a single pair of oars lay up on the bank, and, that being 
the very thing for his purpose, Phil impressed it into the. service 


IN THE FRIENDLY FOG. 


79 


of the general. Shoving it down to the water, he sprang lightly 
in, and rowed as fast as he could over to New York. He found 
the quartermaster, and delivered to him his message. Phil him- 
self thought the task imposed on Colonel Hughes well nigh hope- 
less of fulfilment, for it was then high noon, but the good quarter- 
master merely knocked the ashes out of his pipe, put it in his 
pocket, rose, and said: Is that all you were to tell me. Captain 
Martin ? ” 

That is all,” said Phil, inwardly adding: ‘^And quite 
enough.” 

It shall be done, sir, it shall be done,” said Quartermaster 
Hughes. Convey my respects to his Excellency, if you please, 
and tell him that it shall be done.” 

Phil departed with this message, devoutly trusting that it was 
not founded on too sanguine hope. 

His duty was performed, and casting longing looks up towards 
Wall Street, where he knew Cicely was yearning for tidings of 
his safety, Phil rowed back, and climbed the hill to the redoubts, 
where he reported Colonel Hughes’ assurance to Washington. 

Hour after hour the long afternoon dragged away. The 
army was active, for, that they might be ready to move, and yet 
be ignorant of the plan formed for their safety, they had been 
told to hold themselves in readiness for a night attack on the 
enemy. There was some grumbling at this order, for the poor 
fellows were weary, and half ill from exposure to the severe rain, 
which had so watersoaked their guns that they were well nigh 
useless, and they knew that to attack with such weapons meant 
death for them. But though there was grumbling, there was no 
insubordination, and scribes were busy writing farewell letters 


80 


IN THE FRIENDLY FOQ. 


and last wills and testaments on drum-heads, for the brave men 
who felt sure their hour had come. 

The fog which had lifted for the little band at Eed Hook to 
see the enemy had not cleared away, but at night came drifting 
in from the sea thicker than ever, 

Phil found David worse on his return, and at last, growing 
desperate at the boy’s scorching head and wild delirium, he carried 
him out, and laid him down under the shelter of a great rock, 
in spite of the fog sifting like a gray veil over them. Phil was 
here, seated by his patient, tense with anxiety lest the boats 
should fail, when at eight o’clock the message reached him that 
they had come. He sprang to his feet and ran headlong to 
Washington, forgetting David utterly in this moment when the 
fate of the army, even of the young nation, depended on such a 
slender chance. 

Washington had not slept for forty-eight hours; he had spent 
most of the time in the saddle since the battle, and Phil noticed 
as he ran up to him how strained and worn he looked through 
the gray fog. Yet his eyes were alight with the desperate courage 
of his plan, and he was saying to Phil’s friend: Mr. Hamilton, 
see that Colonel Glover and his Marblehead regiment of sailors 
take command of the boats. Take this order to him from me. 
And you. Captain Martin, stay here and superintend the coming 
and passing out of the men at this point.” 

It had been arranged that as the men stole out others should 
take their place on the ramparts, thus giving the redoubts the 
appearance of being fully occupied should any gleam of light let 
the enemy look upon the front. The survivors of Smallwood’s, 
Haslit’s, and Hand’s heroic regiments, who had covered the re- 


m THE FRIENDLY FOO. 


81 


treat in the battle, were to have the post of honor, and under 
G eneral Mifflin be the last to quit the works. 

The enemy lay so close that the voices of the sentinels on one 
side could he heard by the other; was it possible to withdraw an 
entire army unheard ? 

Phil took his stand where Washington had placed him, his 
heart beating so hard that a dull band of pain encircled his head. 
The movement began. Softly as gray ghosts, in utter silence, 
the men marched out of the redoubts, down the hill, and others 
moved up to take their place. Not an offlcer spoke. By a motion 
of the hand, Phil guided the troops. The muffled tramp of hun- 
dreds of feet, the shifting of luggage and arms, seemed to him 
like the wildest hubbub of noonday, and his hot eyes strained, his 
anxious ears listened for the first alarm in the British lines 
which should show they were discovered. But no sound came; 
the gray fog drifted by, the gray figures glided on through it for 
hours, and yet they were safe. Everywhere at once, it seemed, 
rose the tall figure of Washington, personally superintending, in 
spite of his exhaustion, the great task he had begun. 

As time went on the tense excitement made Phil half de- 
lirious; the constant procession of figures, the hushed scuffle of 
the many feet, made him think that he was going mad. Hark ! 
was that a challenge ? Hush ! did you hear a trumpet ? Look ! 
was that a signal in the enemy’s lines ? No ; the British lay 
wrapped in the mist and darkness, and the Americans still passed 
out and over the hill like phantoms in a dream. 

Suddenly an explosion rent the air, so sharp, so dreadful in 
the anxious stillness that for a moment the agony was worse than 
death. Some cursed, some half fainted, a few cried out like hys- 


82 


IN THE FRIENDLY FOG, 


terical women — then all waited and listened. Were they dis- 
covered ? Was the enemy attacking ? No other sound followed, 
and after a time, concluding that a cannon had exploded in spik- 
ing, the army resumed its orderly retreat. 

It was but a little later that Phil heard a rustling on the 
height immediately above him, where no one should then have 
been. There was no time to call any one to investigate ; he 
sprang up himself, and not a moment too soon. There on an 
overhanging rock, well out towards the British lines, stood a 
figure, and in his hands, raised to his lips, Phil caught the yellow 
gleam of a trumpet. 

You traitor,” he growled between his teeth, and sprang for- 
ward. 

The man turned on him. How dare you attack me ? ” he 
said, dealing a blow at Phil which fortunately miscarried. Here, 
you young monkey, I wear the uniform of one of the Jersey regi- 
ments.” 

Which you disgrace,” retorted Phil. Is this the time or 
place for trumpet practice ? You were going to arouse the enemy, 
you cur.” 

He had time to say no more. The man sprang towards him, 
and on the instant Phil saw his design. Just behind him a chasm 
cpened to the plain below. He leaped aside. The fate the traitor 
would have imposed on Phil was his own. He could not check 
himself, and he fell by the weight of his own body, and disap- 
peared forever in the impenetrable blackness. A good deal 
shaken by this brief yet awful experience, and duly thankful that 
he had come in time to frustrate the scoundrePs design, Phil crept 
back to his post below. 


IN THE FRIENDLY FOG. 


83 


The rear of the main body was moving out, Alexander Hamil- 
ton last of all. “ Why, Phil, you look daft; have you seen a 
ghost ? Come on, man; tl*e work is done,” he whispered. 

Phil mechanically obeyed and followed him. As they reached 
the shore they saw Washington superintending the embarkation. 
Hamilton went up to him with the confidence born of deep affec- 
tion and mutual trust. Your Excellency, go in this boat,” he 
said. We can do the rest, and every man will breathe more 
freely to know that you are safe.” 

I will not lift my foot from shore till every man hath em- 
barked,” replied the general; then seeing Hamilton about to pro- 
test, he added: Say no more, Mr. Hamilton; my place is here.” 

Phil stood half dazed. He was thinking that the fog seemed 
like the wings of Omnipotence, and the solemn, muffled night, 
with the host of nearly ten thousand men creeping away in the 
enveloping mist, like one of the psalms made visible. ^ He shall 
overshadow thee with His shoulders, and under His wings shalt 
thou trust. For He hath delivered me from the snare of the 
hunters — thou shalt not be afraid of the terror of the night.’” 
thought Phil. King David must have seen something like this 
night. King David ! Where in the name of all that is merciful 
is little David ? ” He turned, and ran for his life up the heights 
again. Kot once had he thought of the sick child since the tidings 
that the boats had come. It was at the risk of his life, or at least 
liberty, that Phil went back, but though he might be left behind, 
there was no question of leaving poor David there alone. 

He reached the redoubts; not a living thing was left; not a 
gun nor a blanket remained, so thoroughly had the evacuation 
been accomplished. Phil groped his way to where he had left 


84 


IN THE FRIENDLY FOG, 


David, and found him still raving of the battle, his father’s death, 
or his old peaceful Connecticut home. Snatching him up, Phil 
slipped a soft twig into his mouth as a gag, for if he uttered a 
sound they might be discovered, laid him over his shoulders, and 
started again through the blackness to the shore. At any mo- 
ment the enemy might notice that the redoubts were deserted 
and come in. It was horrible to be alone in that dreary place 
with a sick boy in his arms, in instant danger of capture, but 
Phil stumbled on down the steep height, dreading beyond words 
to be too late, and find the last boat gone without him. Once he 
fell, and David moaned and struggled, but Phil gathered himself 
up, and kept on till at last, he never knew how, he reached the 
shore. 

One boat alone was left; every man had embarked but Wash- 
ington, and he was just stepping on board when Phil ran breath- 
less over the rocks. 

Who comes here ? ” demanded Washington sharply, turn- 
ing towards him, then as the light fell on Phil’s face, he added: 

Philip Martin ! What does this mean ? Why are you not in 
your place, sir ? ” 

The boy — was — forgotten. Excellency. He’s ill — I went 
back,” gasped Phil. 

The general’s face softened. " Get in,” he said. I suppose 
such an act must be pardoned.” 

Handing David to the nearest man, Phil fell exhausted over 
the gunwale, and Washington, the last to leave Long Island, his 
task accomplished to the last detail of minuteness, ordered : 

Push off ! ” 

The oars rose and fell softly as fhe general’s boat followed in 


IN THE FRIENDLY FOG. 


85 


the wake of the others across the river. The head wind had died 
away; the river was as smooth as glass, so smooth that the boats 
could he loaded to their utmost capacity. Horses, carts, cattle, 
artillery, tents, everything was saved, and in such silence that 
even then, as day was breaking, they were undiscovered. 

Strangely enough the fog which had so furthered the escape 
of the army did not veil the other shore, and Hew York was 
bright and clear to favor its landing. Truly God had been with 
the patriots, and who could be against them ? Phil lay utterly 
weary in the bottom of the boat, at Washington’s feet. With 
eyes heavy from lack of sleep he looked up at the strong, tired, 
yet triumphant face of the general. The wonderful evacuation 
had been accomplished; an entire army had been stolen away 
from the very eyes and hands of the enemy. 


CHAPTER VIII. 


COMING AND GOING. 

The troops in the first boats had landed and reached their 
barracks before the last one, bearing Washington, came over. 
New York had thns learned the story of the night, and was ready 
to hail the chief. 

One of the first sights that met Phil’s eyes, as with David in 
his arms he toiled up from the river, was Mrs. Mullin’s portly 
figure standing on the doorstep, her face wreathed in smiles, 
though moist with tears, and Cicely beside her, dancing up and 
down in uncontrollable excitement, a very April girl between 
laughing and crying. 

When the line of weary men came up to a level with the house, 
not even awe of the Commander-in-chief, nor shyness of so many 
spectators, could restrain Cicely one more instant. Springing 
down the steps she ran out into the road and threw herself on 
Phil’s neck, though his uniform was by this time far from fleck- 
less, and Mrs. Mullin had spent full two hours ironing her snowy 
muslin gown. 

There, there,” said Phil, trying to soothe Cicely, though his 
voice was husky, and he left marks of powder-begrimed fingers 
on her white shoulders as he patted her back. I am glad 
enough to he here, little Cis. It’s worth not being shot to see you 
again.” 


86 


COMING AND GOING. 


87 

Glad ! 0 Phil, you never can know what these days have 

been to me. To hear those cannons and not know where each shot 
might have fallen — oh, it hath been horrible,” said Cicely shud- 
dering. 

Washington watched their meeting with a smile. Eemain 
behind with your sister. Captain Martin,” he said. “ You must 
rest, as indeed we all do need to, and you shall have a twenty-four 
hours’ furlough to recuperate before reporting to me at Eichmond 
Hill. Your brother hath done well. Mistress Cicely; you may be 
proud of him.” 

I could not be more so. Excellency,” said Cicely simply. I 
am grateful for your permission for one whole day together.” 

Enjoy it, my child; it will be beyond my power to give you 
another soon,” said Washington sadly, and the men marched on, 
leaving Phil holding David fast, and watching them disappear 
through a golden mist of Cicely’s curls. 

An hour later he lay in luxurious comfort on the big couch 
in the darkened parlor, being fed by Cicely with the broth Mrs. 
Mullin had set about making as soon as the first boat from Long 
Island brought the news of the evacuation. David had been given 
over to that kind soul’s motherly care, and was installed in the 
big guest room for a long course of nursing. Cicely could not 
get rid of the impression that Phil, having come out of battle, 
must be handled with great care, and she alternated spoonfuls 
of broth with soft strokes of his pillow and dainty pats of his 
coverlid, sometimes forgetting it all as she hung in breathless 
terror on his account of the terrible fight, and how he had saved 
David, prevented the traitor from alarming the British, or made 
his way to New York with the message to the quartermaster. She 


88 


COMim AND GOING. 


firmly believed that in all the army there was not another such 
hero as her brother, unless it was the Commander-in-chief, and 
even after his name she added in her thoughts: But he is so 
much older.” 

It was not until the whole story was ended and the last drop 
of broth drained that Phil told Cicely the story of his rescue of 
Dick, and to this she listened with more tears than smiles. 

I can’t stand it. Cicely,” Phil said when his tale was told. 

I shall never be the least use again if I have to face Howe’s 
army. I can’t fight with the fear at my heart of standing face 
to face with my brother, for he’s as truly that as if we were sons 
of the same mother.” 

But what can you do, Phil ? ” cried Cicely. I feel just as 
you do, yet I don’t see how you can turn your back on your coun- 
try for private griefs, which ’tis likely few are without.” 

I will not do that, I could not do that,” replied Phil. But 
I will ask the Commander to send me Horth to Schuyler, or 
Arnold. That solves the difficulty.” 

Oh, that it does ! That was a happy thought, Phil,” cried 
Cicely, clapping her hands. And yet, no; ’tis not so happy after 
all, for then you will leave me, and what will become of me ? ” 

I should not be with you in any case, Cis,” said Phil. There 
is no hope of our holding New York. It can be but a little 
while before the British are in possession, and our army will be 
away, campaigning in Jersey, or I know not where. Let me tell 
you that nothing less than the fear of killing Dick, which par- 
alyzes me even to think of, would separate me from Washington. 
Think you. Cicely, it is nothing to quit the service, the personal 
service, I mean, of a general so great, so kind, and who is the 


COMING AND GOING. 


89 


Commander-in-chief of the army ? But go I must, or he useless 
to the cause; and now, Cicely, I want you to leave New York too. 
The British are coming; there can he no hope of our slender 
force preventing them. Now you will go with Nurse Mullin, 
and poor David, if he lives, into Jersey, to stay with Aunt Molly 
till such time as peace shall bring us together again.’’ 

Cicely shook her head till the ribbon that held her curls fell 
on Phil’s nose, and made her laugh. “ Not I, Philip Martin,” she 
said. I have been expecting you to ask that, and my mind is 
determined against it. What have I to fear ? There will be 
other patriots in town besides me, and the worst will be a few 
soldiers quartered here, against whose presence Nurse Mullin will 
protect me. I think if I need other protection I should not fear 
to call on Dick. No; here I shall certainly stay, and when you 
come back victorious you shall find me where I stood to-day to 
welcome you.” 

She looked so pretty as she made this spirited announcement 
that Phil’s eyes lighted with pleasure in her, but he shook his 
head in dissent. “ I am too sleepy to argue the point,” he said, 
but go you must, dear Cis.” 

And I must stay, dear Phil,” she retorted. But bow selfish 
of me to keep you talking when you have scarce slept for two 
nights ! I will leave you, and you are to sleep, and sleep till I 
call you.” 

She tiptoed about, turning the blinds here, and lowering a 
shade there, giving the pillows a last smoothing, till finally, every- 
thing arranged to her satisfaction, she stole away, with a soft 
farewell kiss on her brother’s forehead. 

Little Cicely, with her low voice and playful ways, proved 


90 


COMING AND GOING. 


stronger in her resolution than soldier Phil, and though she lived 
more than a hundred years ago, the time has not been long enough 
to cure the lassies of their habit of having their own way. Phil felt 
sure that he should coax Cicely into his plan of going to Jersey, 
but ten days later found him on his way North to Schuyler, to 
whose command Washington had consented that he should be 
transferred, and Cicely, still the mistress of the old Dutch house 
in Wall Street, left behind to share the fortunes of war with her 
native city. 

David lay at death’s door; the house was hushed, and full of 
the anxious dread of such a time, yet it helped Cicely through the 
hour of parting with her brother, and filled her thoughts and hands 
too thoroughly to allow her to dwell on the future, which looked 
black enough. So occupied was she with the care of the charge 
Phil had left her that the day when Howe took possession of the 
city passed but half noted by the lonely little maiden. Indeed 
there was not much opposition to the change of masters, for the 
patriot army had all it could do to maintain the position it had 
taken across the island beyond the city at Harlem heights. 

At night Cicely heard a summons on the muffled knocker, 
and opening the door saw a British sergeant, who made her a 
military salute. Beg pardon, miss,” he said, but me and 
three of my men has been quartered here. I’m sorry to put you 
out, but war is war.” 

Where are the others ? ” asked Cicel}^ realizing suddenly 
that war was indeed war, and her house was no longer her castle. 

They’re just around here a bit, miss, at the tavern, and they’ll 
be here directly. The general was for sending young offlcers 
here, but Captain Watts interfered. He said, did the captain. 


COMING ANB GOING. 


91 


that ’twas a house where a young, a very young lady, lived alone 
with her old nurse, and he would take it a favor if General Howe 
would send none hut sober fathers of families to her. So here’s 
one of ’em, miss, before you now, and the other three is grizzly 
grayheards, though Pat McElroy, of ours, isn’t married, hut 
the rest of us is, and with young daughters at home in England. 
And Captain Watts says to me, says he: ^Sergeant White!’ 

^ Sir 1 ’ says I, touching me hat. ^ Sergeant White, I want you to 
look after that young lady, and serve her, and do her hiddin’,’ says 
he, ^ for she’s more than any sister to me, and I want you to see no 
harm comes to her.’ So I promised solemn, and here I am, miss> 
your humble servant, while we stays here.” 

Cicely gasped at this long speech, hut it left her with a feeling 
of grateful relief. She had been right, and Dick was going to 
protect her ! Thank you, very much,” she said. I’m so very 
glad you are to be here. There’s a boy, an orphan who has no'' 
one but us to look after him, ill, dreadfully ill with brain fever. 
The doctor says to-night will be the turn; do you think you can 
keep your men still, as still as mice ? We never speak above a 
whisper except here on the lower floor.” 

^^Mice is noisy beside what we’ll be, miss,” replied the ser- 
geant sitting down at once, and removing his shoes to prove his 
realization of the situation. “ Don’t you fret; brain fever’s not 
likely to be fatal; not to an orphan anyway.” And to her sur- 
prise Cicely found herself laughing. 

Cicely sat with Nurse Mullin beside David at midnight. The 
doctor had just gone, promising to return in three hours. They 
all knew that within that time the battle for life the little soldier 
was fighting would be decided. In spite of her anxiety Cicely 


92 


COMING AND GOING, 


fell asleep in the utter stillness. When she awakened Nurse 
Mullin was on her knees before the tire, trying to coax the wood 
on the hearth into a blaze, and at the same time make no sound, 
for it was the third week in September, and the air was chill. In 
the doorway stood a red-bearded man whom she had never seen, 
his arms full of fagots, and the sight made her heart stand still 
till she remembered that the house was now quarters for a small 
portion of the British army. Then she remembered David, and 
looked towards the bed. His eyes were closed; they had been 
staring open when she fell asleep, and she thought the gray pallor 
on his thin face was death. She could scarcely creep over to 
Mrs. Mullin, beside whom she knelt trembling. Is he dead, 
nurse ? ’’ she whispered. 

No, praise be to Hod, and he’s not going to die either. 
He’s sleeping natural, and he’s safe, if I know aught. But I 
Vish you’d send that Irishman about his own affairs, for he’s 
pestering the life out of me to be of some help, the vagabond ! ” 
The doctor came presently, and confirmed Mrs. Mullin’s 
opinion. David was saved, and with good nursing would pull 
through,” he said. ‘^And that,” he added, smiling at Nurse 
Mullin, having had the pleasure of a long acquaintance with 
Mrs. Mullin, I am sure he’ll have.” 

That he will, if she cooks for the poor boy like she did for 
us at supper toime,” said Private McElroy, beaming on her. 

Is there nothing I could be doin’ now for ye. Mistress Mullin ? ” 

Oh, go along with you, and don’t be wearying me with 
your officiousness,” said Nurse Mullin, for they were in the hall, 
where she dared raise her voice. 

Why, nursey, I am truly shocked at you ! ” said Cicely. 


COMING AND GOING. 


93 


Such a kind man as he seems to he, and you so rude to him ! 
It’s not like you, who are so good-natured.” 

Oh, he’s the one to be ashamed of himself ! ” cried Mrs. 
Mullin. Him an Irishman, and serving the king against us, and 
a Catholic too, like the most of us, for he begged for an egg for his 
supper, it being Friday. I’ve no patience with the man, and his 
begging to he useful. I’d make him useful, and send him to the 
right-about if I had my way. I wonder at Mr. Dick, I do indeed, 
sending us such trash.” And simple Cicely sighed, with innocent 
regret that the long sojourn of the kind soldier among them 
should begin so badly. 

David improved with the rapidity of childhood, and a month’s 
time found him creeping about the house, not strong enough yet 
to follow the example of his royal namesake, and slay a giant, as 
the doctor said, but still on the high road to perfect health. It 
had been settled between them that not a word must be dropped 
betraying the fact that David had borne arms against the king, 
lest it might be the duty of the British soldiers to report, and 
punish him, boy though he w^as. The little household got on 
very pleasantly, the soldiers adoring Cicely, and doing their best 
to be as little trouble as possible. But between Mrs. Mullin and 
Private McElroy there was war to the knife, and her kind nurse’s 
snappishness to her jolly and obliging compatriot caused Cicely 
many a pang, till she saw that he only grinned at her sallies, and 
seemed not to mind them in the least, so she gave up minding for 
him. 

The long winter passed with no tidings from Phil. Cicely 
knew that no message could get through the lines, and tried not 
to worry, but the silence and uncertainty were hard to bear. She 


94 


COMING AND GOING. 


knew that Washington was campaigning in the Jerseys, but all 
the news that reached her was, of course, colored by the point of 
view of those who brought it to her, and the soldiers quartered on 
her were her source of such supply. 

David, now quite well again, longed to be oif to join the army, 
and Cicely felt sure that she could not detain him long. 

Get your letter ready to Captain Phil,^^ David said to her one 
night, for go I must, and I will take it to him, or send it when 
I am through the enemy’s lines.” 

^^You can’t get through, David,” said Cicely. ‘‘1 am half 
tempted to wish you could, though I cannot bear to let you 

go-'' 

I’ll get through. I have a plan,” said David confidently. 

Tell me it,” cried Cicely, pulling her chair nearer his. 

^^No, for if you don’t know, you can say so truthfully,” 
answered David. Write your letter, and then lend me one of 
your old dresses — nothing you would ever wear again, and the 
poorer the better.” 

David, what arc you going to do ? ” gasped Cicely. 

I have a pass here for Annie Evans to go through the lines 
to visit her aunt in Jersey,” said David, slapping his pocket. I 
found it last night; just a corner was sticking out of the snow, 
and I thought fortune favored me. It is dated three days ago, 
and is good for a month to come.” 

And who is Annie Evans ? ” asked Cicely, bewildered, half 
frightened, and half glad. 

How can I know that ? ” said David. "" All I know is that 
to-morrow I will be Annie Evans, if you will lend me a dress, and 
bonnet, and other fixings, and I will go through the lines to my 


COMING AND GOING. 


95 


dear aunt in Jersey. ^Tis a lucky thing, though I never thought 
to be glad of it, that 1 am undersized.^^ 

David, I dare not let you go,” cried Cicely. 

Faith, then. Cicely, you will have to dare, for I am surely 
going,” laughed David. “ Go write your letter, and I will get it 
to our brave Phil.” 

Cicely obeyed him, with hands so trembling that she could 
scarce use her pen. It was well toward morning when she blew 
out her candle and crept to bed, shivering with cold and excite- 
ment, having poured out her heart to Phil in a long letter 
recounting the history of all the weary weeks since they had 
parted. 

In the morning, as soon as it was light. Cicely rose, and selected 
from her wardrobe the necessary clothing for David to imper- 
sonate Annie Evans.” She was half a head taller than he 
now, but her skirt of two years before would be exactly the right 
length. She chose a blue merino, with a pretty little golden 
dot, and the tears came as she remembered how pretty Dick and 
Phil had thought it when she had worn it for the first time on 
Christmas Eve. There would never be another happy Christmas- 
tide together, she thought, and some of the merino’s golden spots 
were darkened by her tears. It seemed as though the hour would 
never come when the soldiers would go to their duties. 

I think Annie Evans will come here this morning; she goes 
to visit her aunt in Jersey, and will come to say good-bye,” she 
said to David, as a precaution against possibilities, and in the 
hearing of the garrison,” as they called their four military 
charges. 

Indeed ? ” said David coolly. She’s a nice girl; I know 


96 


COMING AND GOING. 


none 1 ?.ike better ; I hope I shall be here to see her if she 
comes/^ 

The men went out, closing the door with a slam, for the wind 
blew strong from the north. They had shown no interest in 
Cicely’s possible visitor, and now they were gone for the day. 
Cicely and David looked at each other and laughed, then Cicely 
caught her breath with a nervous gasp. 

Go up to your room, David,” she whispered. The clothes 
are on your bed. The time hath come.” 


CHAPTER IX. 


DAVID FALLS INTO THE HANDS OF THE ENEMY. 

Half an hour later a slender little girl came stealing down 
the stairs, peeping cautiously over the bannisters, and listening 
each time before setting her foot on the next step. 

David had lost all his sunburn during his illness, and had 
been out so little during the winter, since New York had been 
occupied by the British, that his skin was as fair as any dainty 
maiden’s. His features were delicate, and his early acquaintauce 
with sorrow had given them a patient sweetness of expression 
that suited very well with his new garb. Indeed he made such 
a pretty and girlish girl that Cicely cried out with delight as she 
caught sight of him, and hastily clasped her hands over her lips 
to prevent further imprudence. 

Turn around, Davy, and let me see if you have everything 
as it should be,” she said. No, wait a moment; you have hooked 
your belt wrong — there, now ’tis right. And let me tie your 
bonnet strings over. They are awry and have not the tidy look 
such a nice girl as Annie Evans should show the public.” 

^^Do you think they will find me out, Cicely ?” David asked 
anxiously. 

Never, unless you betray yourself by some boyish motion,” 
she replied. Let me see you sit down. That was well done. 

97 


98 DAVID FALLS INTO THE HANDS OF THE ENEMY, 


I remember once when Phil was a little fellow, and acted a girFs 
part in a charade at Counsellor Watts’, that every time he sat 
down he tried to arrange the buckles at his knees, forgetting the 
skirts he wore, and that the audience laughed until he was very 
angry. Ah, me, to think those days are over, and Phil and Dick 
fighting against each other ! ” she added, her eyes filling. 

Cicely, I must not linger,” said David impatiently. 

Every moment is precious.” 

True, but now the time hath come for parting my heart 
fails me, David,” she replied. Have you my letter ? ” 

Safely hidden in my breast,” the boy replied, and my pass 
in my pocket. Truly, Cicely, I am more afraid of betraying my- 
self in trying to find that same pocket than any other way.” 

Cicely half laughed. I have it,” she exclaimed. Let me 
give you a small basket of cake and jelly to take to your aunt in 
Jersey, and lay your pass handy on the top of the jelly cans. 
You will be glad of the food for yourself, when you are beyond 
the city, and I am sure the good lady will forgive you eating 
them.” 

Now that is a fine idea. Cicely,” said David gratefully. And 
they both laughed when he groped in the left side of his skirt to 
take the pass out of the pocket. 

Now you’re ready, David,” said Cicely at last, returning 
with a well filled basket, in which the precious document was 
deposited. I feel as though I were losing Phil over again in 
parting from you. You have grown to be like a dear brother to 
me in these lonely weeks.” 

Her voice trembled, and David looked as though he had hard 
work not to play the girl indeed, and cry outright, as he answered: 


DAVID FALLS INTO THE HANDS OF THE ENEMY, 99 


Good-bye, Cicely. I never can tbank you and Phil for giving 
a homeless, friendless boy a home, and a brother and sister. 
You have each saved my life, he on the battle-field, and you in 
this house by your loving care when I was ill. And good 
Mistress Mullin. Bid her good-bye for me; I wish I could tell her 
how grateful I am for her nursing me.^^ 

We none of us did anything that was not a pleasure, Davy,’^ 
said Cicely. ^^And you have repaid what little we did in a 
thousand ways.” 

‘^Not yet,” said the boy, shaking his bonnet emphatically. 

But if I live, please God, I’ll do something some day to show 
you I remember. Now good-bye. Don’t worry about me. I 
am sure no one will suspect me. And take good care of your 
dear self. When I see Phil I’ll tell him how brave and cheerful 
you are through these hard days.” 

Cicely’s tears fell fast; she was not very cheerful at that 
moment. If only I could go too,” she whispered. Good-bye, 
Davy.” 

She held the big door open with one little foot and her left 
hand, while David clasped the right one tight. One look back- 
ward at the tearful face behind the -door, a pathetically bright 
smile that struggled to hold its own, and David was gone, and 
Cicely turned back to the big hall, and the silence of the house, 
broken only by the ticking of the big Dutch clock, feeling more 
utterly desolate' than she had felt since the beginning of those 
troublous days. 

, David bent his steps up the Broad Way, and pursued his 
course unmolested, and unnoticed. He had a long walk before 
him, for he purposed making his attempt to pass through the 


100 DAVID FALL8 INTO THE HANDS OF THE ENEMY. 

lilies at the northern end of the island. This was all the better, 
for it gave him time to get accustomed to his new garb, and gain 
self-confidence. At last he reached the outposts, and stopped 
obedient to the sentineFs challenge. 

Who are you, and whither are you bound ? asked the 
sentinel. 

I am Annie Evans, and am on my way to J ersey to see my 
aunV^ replied David, congratulating himself on his high soprano 
voice, with which he had delighted Cicely in singing ballads 
through the long winter evenings. 

Have you a pass, my girl ? ” asked the soldier,, not unkindly. 

Yes, sir ; signed by his Excellency, General Howe himself,” 
replied David, producing it. 

lEm; it seems all right,” said the sentinel scanning it. It 
seems to me Twould have been an easier way of getting to Jersey 
to cross the river at Paulus Hook.” 

‘'^N'ot when my aunt lives up the river. Besides, I am less 
afraid on the Hew York side, guarded by the soldiers, than 
over yonder in the country,” said David. 

Well, Annie, if I were your father I would not let a Fttle 
lass like you wander alone about the country, in these troublous 
times,” said the man, folding up the pass, and handing it back. 

But Tis none of my affairs, and here’s your pass. You may go 
through, and I wish you a pleasant journey.” 

Thank you, sir,” said David, abandoning his impulse to make 
a courtesy lest he do it so awkwardly as to betray himself. I 
wish I were sure of as kind treatment all the way, for I am afraid, 
I own it, of going about alone.” 

He passed on, and saw just beyond him a young officer. 


DAVID FALLS INTO THE HANDS OF THE ENEMY. 101 


who stopped, scanned him closely, ‘ and then ran up to 
the sentinel, who saluted, and said in reply to a hasty question: 

^Tis one Annie Evans, sir, with a pass from General Howe to 
visit her aunt in Jersey. I let her go on, for it was all regular, 
I thought.’^ 

Quite right,” David heard the young officer say. I am 
going up the road a little way myself, and will see the child 
further.” 

He strode after David, who dared not hasten, but kept evenly 
on, his heart beating almost to suffocation. It was but a moment 
before the officer overtook him. 

I will see you safely through,” he said. I can’t tell you 
how glad I am of even this little opportunity to speak to you.” 

David was puzzled, but concluding that the Annie Evans 
whose name he had borrowed must have friends among the Brit- 
ish officers, discreetly resolved not to betray by speaking the fact 
that he was not she. 

You are wise not to talk here,” the young officer resumed 
after a moment’s silence. Still, I think a few words can scarcely 
harm you, and I long to hear your voice again. Only tell me. 
Cicely, how you are, and what is the news of Phil ? ” 

Cicely ! Oh, now he understood. It was the dress he wore, 
and this must be the Dick Watts of whom Cicely had so often 
spoken, who alone in all the British camp could have recog- 
nized his borrowed garb, and whom evil chance had thus brought 
across his path. He dared not speak, for the moment he did 
so he was betrayed. Yet silence was as dangerous. Almost 
paralyzed by the misfortune which had overtaken him, David kept 
on his way. What should he do, what could he do ? The only 


102 DA VII) FALLS INTO THE HANDS OF THE ENEMY. 

thing he could think of was to throw himself on Captain Watts’ 
mercy, and beg him, for his friends’ sake, to let him proceed. 

While he was hastily considering his course, Dick gently 
touched his arm. Cicely,” he said, such prudence is not 
necessary. There is no one within hearing. Tell me of your- 
self and Phil. I will not detain you; I will not even ask you why 
you are leaving the city under an assumed name.” He paused; 
there was no answer. Look at me,” Dick cried sharply, a sus- 
picion darting into his mind. 

David slowly raised his face. Dick fell hack. Gracious 
heavens,” he cried, ’tis not Cicely. I never saw you. Who are 
you, and what are you doing in clothing that I could swear is that 
of a friend. Stop ! you are my prisoner.” 

I am not a thief, as you seem to suspect, sir,” said David, 
facing the situation. Mistress Cicely, who is my very good 
friend too, hath given me the dress.” 

^^You will have to prove that,” said Dick. ‘^1 never heard 
•of Annie Evans. Come back to my tent. I will send a message 
to Mistress Martin asking her what she knows of you.” 

^^ Nay, Captain Watts — yes, I know you — don’t do that,” 
begged David earnestly. I will tell you the truth. Mistress 
Cicely is grieved and anxious about her brother, and I have been 
her guest all winter. I told her I would try to get through the 
lines, and find a means of forwarding this letter to Phil, who is 
with Schuyler. Look, here it is; a long one, writ last night after 
Ave had formed the plan.” And David produced Cicely’s letter 
in proof of his statement. 

Dick took it, handled it doubtfully, a frown of perplexity 
gathering on his forehead. 


DAVID FALLS INTO THE HANDS OF THE ENEMY. 103 


You must know that as a British officer I have no right to 
let you pass/' he said, yet I cannot hear to refuse Cicely any- 
thing, and in addition to my love for my dear old Phil, he added 
a new claim by saving my life on the battle-field, in the fight at 
Long Island.” 

As he did mine,” cried David eagerly. My father and I 
were fighting two great Hessian brutes, when Phil came up. He 
was not in time to save my dear father, hut he saved me, and after 
that Cicely nursed me through brain fever in her own home, as if 
1 were her younger broth — sister.” 

David had been too intent on making good his claim to see 
Dick’s expression until this slip of the tongue brought him to a 
sudden halt. 

Dick had stepped hack a little and was regarding him fixedly. 
As soon as David paused Dick said sternly : So you are not a 
girl at all, but a hoy, and one who hath borne arms against us at 
that. This ends the matter; you are my prisoner. I cannot in 
conscience let you pass.” 

Don’t make me a prisoner, sir ; I beg you, don’t,” cried 
David. ^^’Tis true that I am a hoy, but all I have told you is 
true too, and both Phil and Cicely have in some sort adopted me 
as a brother. Let me go and take her letter to Phil. Let Cicely 
plead for me, as indeed she would were she here.” 

Dick fingered the letter with a troubled face. Don’t you 
see,” he said, that it isn’t that I do not want to, hut that my 
duty forbids me ? If I were to stretch my conscience and let 
you pass it could only he on one condition. Would you give me 
your solemn word of honor never to bear arms again against your 
king?” 


104 DAVID FALLS INTO TUB HANDS OF THE ENEMY. 

David’s head drooped. couldn’t do that/’ he said very 
low. 

‘^And unless you do I must take you prisoner/’ said Dick. 

You were on your way to Phil now, to join his company; con- 
fess it.” 

Yes/’ admitted David. 

And you won’t give me your promise to abandon this 
plan ? ” 

I won’t give a promise I don’t mean to keep/’ said David. 

And while I draw breath I will fight for my country.” 

Then come with me; you cannot pass/’ said Dick, and David 
followed without another word. 

That night Private McElroy handed Cicely a letter. It’s 
sorry I am, mistress, to he bringing had news, but the captain 
bid me give you that, and say you wasn’t to be worryin’ ! He 
said most particular you wasn’t to be worryin’.” 

“ Oh, bad luck to you, who could help worryin’ with you 
about ? ” cried Mrs. Mullin. Cicely, darling, read the letter, for 
may be it’s not so bad as this bit of peat that tries to pass for a 
soldier would be making out.” 

Cicely broke the wax, and unfolded the big sheet with the' 
Howe coat of arms surmounting it, for Dick was acting as his 
general’s secretary, and made free with his supplies. 

‘^Dear Cicely,” the letter ran. ^^Your little friend disguised 
in your dress, hath fallen into my hands, and is my prisoner.” 
Cicely gave a sharp cry, but read on. He had passed the lines, 
and none but I could have suspected him, but I recognized the 
dress Phil and I both liked so much. Believe me, I cannot help 
deploring the chance that brought me past that spot at that 


DAVID FALLS INTO TEE HANDS OF THE ENEMY. 105 


moment. The hoy would not promise me not to hear arms again 
against the king, and it would have been impossible for me to 
let him pass and yet he faithful to the uniform I wear without 
such promise. I will see that the brave lad is better treated than 
I have reason to fear some of our prisoners are. Your letter I 
will put in trustworthy hands, that by means of traders to the 
north it reaches Albany, and thence goes to Schuyler and Phil. 
The only bright spot in this misadventure is that it hath given me 
direct news of my little sister, which cheers me, for I would have 
you to believe that if you are lonely, I am not less so, nor find 
the performance of my duty always easy. It was very hard this 
morning, for which reason I ask you to think kindly of, and for- 
give, your affectionate playfellow, and faithful friend, Dick.^’ 

The letter fell from Cicely^s hand, and laying her head on her 
arms she sobbed with all her might. 

Shall I read it, darling ? ’’ asked Mrs. Mullin trembling with 
fear and compassion. 

Cicely nodded. 

Oh, it might he worse,’’ cried the good woman, relieved to 
find the letter contained no ill news of Phil. “ They won’t broil 
the poor boy, and Master Dick will see after him.” 

^^Yes, it might he far worse,” assented Private McElroy, 
thankful for a glimpse of something cheerful, for he was sore 
distressed by Cicely’s grief. Don’t cry so. Mistress Cecilia. 
Sure the captain said most particular you wasn’t to worry. Is 
it the little lad that was about here they took prisoner ? ” 

Yes, it is,” snapped Mrs. Mullin. 

Ah, he’s a fine little feller ; he’ll make friends, miss ; don’t 
ye he grievin’ for him. I’ll carry his fiddle, which he played so 


106 DA VID FALLS MTO THE HANDS OF THE ENEMY. 

lovely, to the captain, and ask him to let him have it, for the men 
will do anything for anybody who can liven ^em np wid a bit of a 
tune, or a shake down for their heels on a winter’s evenin’. You 
cheer up, mistress, and don’t be worryin’.” 

There’s more sense in what he says than usual, darling,” 
said Mrs. Mullin, gathering Cicely in her capacious arms. Davy 
will make friends, and you must not fret your dear little heart 
so.” 

Oh, it’s not that only, nursey,” sobbed Cicely, laying her 
tumbled curls on her old nurse’s kind shoulder. It’s so lonely, 
and dreadful. It’s like a civil war, and it makes me sick to think 
that it’s Dick who had to take David prisoner. And I want my 
brother,” wailed Cicely, who was not grown up in spite of her 
cares. 

I know you do, dearie, but as to the rest, it’s lucky ’twas 
Dick who captured David, I’m thinking,” said Mrs. Mullin 
philosophically. 


CHAPTER X. 


PEIVATE McELROY GIVES A HINT. 

Private McElroy had been quite right in saying that “ the 
little lad ” would make friends. After a week of captivity David 
was on good terms with his jailers, who, most happily for him, 
were the soldiers in the barracks. Dick had reported his captive 
merely as a little hoy who had tried to get through the lines on a 
false pass, and kept to himself the fact that, boy though he was, 
David had borne arms against the king. He had asked General 
Howe, as a special favor, to allow him to keep the hoy with him, 
and permission had been given readily, probably because the easy- 
going Commander thought it would not matter if so insignificant 
a prisoner did happen to escape. Dick very wisely asked no prom- 
ise of David not to try to get away, but, though he allowed him 
plenty of room to move about he saw to it that he was never 
without one of the men to guard him. 

It was a fortunate thing for David that he had thus fallen into 
friendly hands, for the military prisons of Xew York, especially 
the old Sugar House, are infamous in history for the agony in- 
flicted in them on the unfortunate American prisoners of war, 
and William Cunningham, who had charge of them, is branded 
forever as a brute, whose cruelty to the victims who fell into his 
power (whose only crime was that they were patriots), surpasses 

the imagination to picture or credit. 

107 


108 


PRIVATE McELROT 0IVE8 A HINT. 


But David fiddled and sang to a jolly audience of British 
soldiers, brave and merry ; or sat alone with Dick telling him 
every instance that he could recall of the months he had spent 
in the old Wall Street Dutch house, and repeating every word 
that Cicely had spoken. His lot was by no means a hard one, 
except that the lightest captivity is irksome, and he longed to fly 
North to join Phil and gain glory. 

Cicely in the meantime was racking her nimble brains for a 
means of setting David free, but so far vainly. She heard through 
her garrison that the boy was well and comfortable, and once, 
with Captain Watts’ permission, David had sent a message to her 
by the sergeant. Private McElroy sympathized with her, or she 
imagined so, although she could not have given a reason for the 
fancy. 

One night he was seated by the kitchen fire, while Cicely 
on her knees before it was trying to warm and feed a little kitten 
which she had rescued from starvation in the street. The other 
three members of her garrison ” were passing their evenings at 
the convivial glow of Sam Fraunces’ tavern fireside; Mrs. Mullin 
was upstairs, and Cicely had none but Private McElroy to bear 
her company. 

It seems a pity, mistress, that the little lad is a prisoner, for 
he’s such a fine little chap, though he’s far from bad off in Captain 
Watts’ hands,” said the private suddenly. 

I can’t help grieving for him,” replied Cicely. I wish he 
had been able to pass the lines.” 

‘^1 saw a queer play once in Dublin, Mistress Cecilia,” re- 
marked the private, with apparent irrelevancy. ’Twas by a poet 
that the bill of the play called Shakespeare. ’Twas a mighty 


PRIVATE McELROY GIVES A HINT, 


109 


amusin’ piece; I can’t rightly remember the name, though ’twas 
something like the Jolly Women, or some kind of wives, or some- 
thing like that, and there was the name of a place in it.” 

Merry Wives of Windsor ? ” suggested Cicely without look- 
ing up, more interested in getting the tip of her teaspoon filled 
with warm milk into the kitten’s mouth, than in the private’s 
theatrical reminiscences. 

The very same ! ” cried ^Private McElroy slapping his leg. 

Did you ever see it, then ? ” 

^^No,” said Cicely. 

There was a big, tipsy, good-for-nothing in it, his name was 
False, False Stick — no, not just that either.” 

Falstaff,” said Cicely absent-mindedly. 

True for you; sure you must know the play, mistress,” said 
Private McElroy. 

No, but I remember hearing of it,” said Cicely. 

Well, the big villain was in a scrape once, and he got carried 
off in a basket of soiled linen,” said the private. 

Cicely had just choked her protege with too big a mouthful 
and she made no answer to this remark. 

My sister is laundress to the regiment,” said Private McElroy 
innocently after a pause. She was tellin’ me what a fine little 
chap she found your little friend David to be, and she do be 
seein’ him every week when she goes there with her big basket of 
clothes ; it’s a terrible big basket she carries, but she’s a strappin’ 
strong woman, and when she goes away ’tis empty.” 

Cicely nearly dropped the kitten into the milk, instead of per- 
forming the reverse operation, as she looked up startled by a 
new and promising thought. 


110 


PRIVATE McELROY GIVES A HINT. 


Private McElroy gave her a large, significant wink, and then 
replacing his pipe, puffed very hard, in silence. Cicely stared at 
him, thinking rapidly. I’m sayin’ nothing,” remarked the 
private after a moment or two of speechless puffing. Me sister 
has a daughter about fourteen who goes often and often over to 
Jersey where she has a friend livin’. She’s a slender slip of a 
girl, and the sentries know her so well that they don’t even ask 
for her pass now, leastways it’s ’most like ’tis her clothes they 
knows, for she goes often when ’tis kinder darkish, and men is 
stupid things, mistress.” 

Not all of them,” panted Cicely, her heart thumping as she 
grasped the full extent of the plan hinted to her. 

Think not, mistress ? Well, I don’t know,” said the private 
innocently. Anyhow most is. My sister will he takin’ the 
clothes to the barrajcks to-morrow. She has a fine hig baby ; 
maybe you’d like to go see him in the mornin’. Mistress Cecilia, 
you’re that fond of pets. ’Twould most likely hearten you up to 
go see the baby. Sure, he’s the happiest, fattiest hoy you ever 
seen. That kitten’s cornin’ round wonderful; it’s tryin’ to wash 
its paw. It’s a good thing, I’m thinkin’, to help little things that 
can’t help themselves.” 

Indeed it is,” said Cicely fervently. God bless you. 
Private McElroy.” 

Amen, sure ; hut what for in particular, mistress ? ” asked 
the private looking very blank and unconscious. Then rising he 
knocked the ashes out of his pipe and put it in his pocket. I’ll 
he goin’ over to the tavern, and takin’ a pull at a chorus before 
I go to bed,” he said. “ Me sister lives in a little house on the 
Bowery Lane, if you’d he feelin’ like takin’ a look at the hahy 


PRIVATE McELROT GIVES A HINT. 


Ill 


in the mornin’. ’Tis the seventh house out, and it’s kind of in 
behind another one. Me sister’s name is Finley, if you’re askin’ 
for her. Good-night, pretty Mistress Cecilia ; I hope you’ll rest 


Good-night, Private McElroy, and all good angels attend 
you,” said Cicely. I can never, never thank you.” 

What for ? Just givin’ you a chance to take a peep at a 
baby ? Sure that’s nothin’. Though it’s me own godson and 
namesake he is, and Pd be glad to have you see him.” So saying 
the private walked out and carefully closed the door after him. 
In less than a minute he opened it, cautiously thrust his head 
within, and laying his finger beside his nose winked a wink of 
solemn, voluminous meaning. Then he was gone. 

Cicely went to see Mrs, Finley, and, of course, her baby, at 
the earliest hour possible in the morning. She came home radiant 
end '"'Tited, but a more stupid face than Private McElroy wore 
as he and his comrades listened to her blithe singing while they 
ate their dinner, would have been hard to find. 

That night, or rather late in the afternoon, Mrs. Finley with 
her big basket of clean clothes, presented herself at the barracks. 
David lay curled up under a blanket, apparently taking a nap 
in a dark corner of the room. A young lieutenant, Dick’s junior 
officer, was its only other occupant. The captain himself was with 
Howe, for which, since he was known as the Martins’ friend, he 
was very glad later. 

Mrs. Finley emptied the basket of its contents, and straight- 
ened herself with a sigh of relief as she tossed the last pair of; 
socks on the bed. Oh, dear me ; I’m getting old,” she said, 
which she could afford to say, being comely and blooming. I 



112 


PlUVATE McELROT GIVES A HINT. 


get tired carrying this heavy basket — when ^tis full, and if s glad 
I am to be goin’ back when ’tis emptied. Leftenant, dear, 
will you show me how to load and fire this pistol Fve got 
here ? 

Pistol ! ” exclaimed the young man. What do you want 
of a pistol, Mistress Finley ? 

It’s lonesome coming out here, and I thought Fd he providin’ 
meself with a defence, hut now I’ve got it I be that afraid of it, 
and that ignorant of the creature’s ways that I daren’t try it. Oh, 
what a fine thing it is to he a strong man, and not afraid,” cried 
this wily woman, who could easily have taken the boyish lieuten- 
ant across her knee, as that valiant officer took the weapon in his 
hand. 

Pooh, that’s nothing; you see I am used to firearms; they are 
my profession,” said the lieutenant trying to look modest. Come 
to the door where ’tis light and there’s a chance to use it, and I’ll 
show you how to load and fire.” 

Mrs. Finley followed him, and meekly received her lesson, 
proving herself not inapt in learning. After having blazed away 
a few times at a fence-post, and coming at least within the en- 
closure, while the lieutenant hit the mark, she sighed, and said: 
^‘'Well, now I’ll be goin’. Thank you kindly, sir; I believe I 
see through it, though I don’t think Fd be dangerous if I had 
to defend meself. At any rate not to the man I aimed at. But 
sure ’tis only practise will make me able to shoot.” 

Certainly, Mistress Finley,” said the lieutenant condescend- 
ingly. You really did very well for a beginner.” 

Thank you kindly, sir, for sayin’ so, though ’tis but your 
politeness,” replied Mrs. Finley. Good-night, sir. I’ll be goin’ 


PRIVATE McELROY GIVES A HINT. 


113 


along. Oh, what’s the matter with me ! I was leavin’ me 
basket.” 

She crossed the room, slipped the fastening through the big 
basket’s lid, glanced at the lieutenant, who was not watching her, 
lifted it with both hands, and hung it on one strong red arm. 

Good-night to you, sir, and many thanks,” she repeated, and 
walked briskly away. Once out of sight she took both hands to 
her burden and asked: “ Did you slip in easy, and are you com- 
fortable, me boy ? ” 

Yes, ’twas no trouble at all, and I have enough room for a 
short journey,” replied a voice from the depths of the basket. 

Well, keep still a little while, and I’ll set you free,” said the 
good woman, making the best speed she dared towards a piece of 
woods ahead. Arrived there she set the basket down, unfastened 
it, and David stepped forth rumpled but smiling. Taking off 
her shawl Mrs. Finley produced from various points of her ample 
person a complete outfit for a little girl, dress, shawl and bonnet, 
and hastily began transforming David into the semblance of her 
own daughter. 

There, now you’ll do very well,” she said surveying him 
with satisfaction, her arms akimbo, and one eye shut like a true 
artist. You’ll be tryin’ your luck again at passin’ for a girl, and 
this time I feel it in me bones, ’twill go better. Though me 
brother tells me you’d have been all right before hadn’t Captain 
Watts come along. Now, mind what I tell you. You’re Yellie 
Finley, and you’re goin’ over to Hopack to see Jennie Daly, do 
you mind that ? ” 

Yes,” said David. 

Then go along with you, and if you cross where I told you 


114 : 


PRIVATE McELROY GIVES A HINT. 


the sentry’ll never ask for your pass. Good-bye, dear, and God 
bless ye, and may your guardian angel take you safe over,” said 
the warm-hearted woman, kissing David. 

Good-bye ; I can’t thank you, and I don’t see why you take 
such a risk for me,” said David. 

’Tis no risk as I’ll manage it, and me brother would do any- 
thing for Mistress Cicely, and sure a slip of a child like you can 
do no harm to the king. Good-bye, now, and mind all I’ve said 
to you.” 

David disappeared beneath the trees, and resuming her 
lightened basket Mrs. Finley went homeward. She did not enter 
her own house, however, but seeing her neighbor in her yard, 
went over, and began a friendly chat which lasted for three-quarters 
of an hour. Just as she set down her second cup, emptied of its 
tea, Mrs. Finley exclaimed : Why, look at the sojers ! Whatever 
will they be doin’ down here ? ” 

It was the young lieutenant, with a private, and he was in a 
state of considerable excitement. Striding up to Mrs. Finley’s 
door, he started to knock, but that worthy woman called from the 
next house : “ Leftenant, Leftenant, dear, is it me you’re after ? ” 
Ah, Mrs. Finley,” exclaimed the young officer, hastily 
jumping the fence. Where is David ? ” 

David ! ” exclaimed Mrs. Finley guilelessly. Dennis, you 
mean. Is it me man you’re after ? ” 

^^No, it’s not. It is David, the boy, our prisoner,” cried the 
lieutenant. He was asleep -when you came, and he has dis- 
appeared. I was responsible for him. Where is he ? ” 

I don’t know, sir,” said Mrs. Finley, in the letter, if not in 
the spirit of truth. “We was standing in the door practisin’ 


PRIVATE McELROT GIVES A HINT. 


115 


with the pistol, and he couldn’t have gone out except through a 
back window.” 

Or in your basket,” said the lieutenant suspiciously. 

Mrs. Finley drew herself up, the picture of injured innocence. 

Me to be suspected of a thing like that ! ” she cried, and me 
own brother servin’ in Captain Watts’ own regiment ! Or may 
be you think I could carry away a lad of near fifteen unbeknownst 
to myself ! There is me basket where I set it down, and I haven’t 
so much as been home, nor opened the cover since I came in, as 
Mistress Wilkins can tell you. Look for yourself, Leftenant.” 

The young lieutenant raised the lid, peered in, slammed it 
down, and said: I must search your house. Mistress Finley.” 

Do, sir, and you’re welcome to all the prisoners you’ll find 
there,” she said indignantly. ^^It’s losin’ time you are, and if 
you took me advice you’d be searching out in the back of the bar- 
racks, for the boy couldn’t have got out by the front.” 

The lieutenant and his man crossed over, and entered Mrs. 
Finley’s house, whence she had the satisfaction of seeing them 
emerge half an hour later, and rejoiced in the thought of the long 
start these proceedings had given David. 

In the meantime David, once more in the disguise of a girl, 
had gone down to the British lines, this time on the North Kiver 
shore. As he came up the sentry hailed him as an old acquaint- 
ance. Hello, Nellie,” he cried. Did you bring me the ginger- 
bread you promised ? ” 

Oh, I forgot entirely,” exclaimed David, trying to give the 
least flavor of a brogue to his Connecticut tongue. 

You’re a nice girl ! What ails your voice to-day; it hath a 
queer sound,” said the sentry. > 


116 


PBIVATE McELROT GIVES A HINT. 


I took cold, and my throat is sore,^^ said David, this being 
the truth, behind which he was glad to shelter. I mustn’t wait 
to-day, for Fm late starting, and mother said I was to hurry.” 

^^All right, there’s the boat,” said the sentry, as if half 
offended. Tom, row Nellie Finley across quick, for she hath 
taken cold, and it’s chilled her to her friends.” 

No, it hath not,” cried David. The next time you’ll find 
me just the same. I’m half sick, and cold, and it’s the truth 
that I must hurry.” 

^‘^All right; good-hye then,” said the soldier, and David 
stepped into the boat and was ferried to Jersey. 

It was a long journey to Albany, where he hoped to find some 
one who would send him on to General Schuyler, but David was 
supplied with money, which Cicely had left with Mrs. Finley for 
him, and by slow stages, and a shilling here, or a sixpence there 
to some farmer for a lift in his wagon, or a night’s lodging when 
he could not get permission to sleep in a barn, he made his way 
up the long course of the river, the whole hundred and fifty 
miles to Albany. It was spring when he got there, and he had to 
wait six weary weeks before he could join a company that was 
going North to Schuyler’s army. 

It was a lovely June evening, four months after his escape 
that he came into camp. 

Captain Philip Martin ? ” echoed the soldier of whom 
lie inquired for his friend. Yes, I know him ; I belong 
to his company. I’ll take you to him ; follow me.” 
David did as he was hidden. They passed through the camp, 
till they came to a little tent near Schuyler’s own. This is 
Captain Martin’s,” said David’s guide, and left him. 


PRIVATE McELROY GIVES A HINT. 


117 


Peeping in through the tent door, David saw Phil with his 
flintlock on his knee; evidently he had been cleaning it, hut he 
had fallen into a brown study, and the gun had dropped from 
his hands. He looked grave, sad, and careworn, much more than 
a year older than when David had first seen him, though it was 
only ten months since the battle of Long Island. 

Phil, Phil Martin,” David said tremulously. 

Phil started, and looked up. What, David ! ” he cried. 

How did you get through ? AVhen did you come ? How is 
Cicely ? Gracious powers, but Pm glad to see thee, Davy.” 

And I to see thee, Phil,” cried David almost sobbing. I 
have much to tell thee. Cicely is well, and safe.” 

Come in, then ; sit thee down. 0 David, I’m hungry for 
news from home,” cried Phil, and putting his arm over the boy’s 
shoulder Phil drew him down beside him on his camp chest, both 
happy in the joy of meeting. 


CHAPTEE XL 


AT SAKATOGA. 

The fierce heat of the northern summer had given place to 
the crisp coolness of the middle of September. Phil and David 
had passed the months that had intervened since they were re- 
united — their happiness in being together marred by the troubles 
which beset their beloved generals. The gentler David half 
worshipped Schuyler, whose unfailing kindness, and a certain 
sweetness of courtesy, together with his absolute unselfishness 
and devotion to his country made him rather like a knight of old 
than a soldier of the new world. 

But Phil, though not deficient in appreciation of those 
qualities which made Philip Schuyler as true a hero of romance 
as Sir Philip Sydney, yet found something irresistible in the 
daring courage, the impetuous temper, merry laugh, and hand- 
some face of Arnold. The hero of Ticonderoga was freshly 
crowned with his laurels, and Phil would have cheerfully followed 
over red hot coals where Arnold led. 

Both lads had their love for their leaders fanned to burning 
point by the injustice done them by Congress, and the criminally 
stupid jealousy of the Xew Englanders, who had kept Arnold 
out of promotion, and at last actually succeeded in getting 
Schuyler superseded by Gates. It was hard to stand by and see 

118 


AT SAMATOOA. 


119 


the insults that incompetent upstart heaped on General Schuyler, 
the results of whose labors he had come to reap, and Phil had to 
set his teeth hard, and clench his fists often, to keep himself from 
a blow in the insolent face of the new commander who dared 
treat Schuyler with contumely that that brave man was too great- 
souled to resent. Arnold had less self-contrel, and as Phil had 
become a prime favorite of his, he often permitted himself com- 
ments on Gates which did Phil’s heart good to listen to. 

It was on the eve of a battle, as every one felt sure; Burgoyne, 
apparently deserted by General Howe, had no choice but to engage 
the Americans without him. The army was encamped near 
Saratoga, and held a strong position on the heights, fortified by 
Kosciusko, for whom Phil and David felt enthusiastic admir- 
ation. Schuyler was no longer in command, but Phil could not 
bear to serve under Gates personally, and he and David joined 
Arnold, whose wing of the army lay below Bemis Heights, where 
Gates was intrenched, and nearer where the fighting promised to 
be hottest. 

Early in the morning of the nineteenth of September General 
Arnold sent for Phil to come to his tent. 

I think they are coming,” was his salutation. We shall 
have a lovely little row before the day is over, my lad.” 

All right. General,” cried Phil cheerfully. The sooner 
the better, and with you to lead us we will go to face demons.” 

" Oh, well, that won’t be necessary,” cried Arnold with his 
jolly laugh. The foes we are to meet will wear red coats, and 
there’s not a tail or horn in the army, outside the artillery, or 
the commissary department, I sent for you because I would 
intrust an important task to you ; will you undertake it ? ” 



120 


AT SARATOGA. 


ril do anything, go anywhere for you, General Arnold, 
cried Phil flushing. 

By George, Phil, I would Congress loved me as thou dost ! 
exclaimed Arnold. But hark to my orders. You are to take 
a sufficient number of scouts under your command, and climb 
the trees, discover the enemy’s movements and plans, and report 
them to me. You must be cautious, and above all accurate. 
Can I depend on you ? ” 

I think so,” replied Phil modestly. 

Nay, I know so,” returned Arnold, slapping him on the 
shoulder, with that frank cordiality that made the men adore 
him. Be off, and report to me the instant you are certain of 
what you have to say.” 

Phil left the tent, gathered together those men whom he 
thought best fltted to the service, and set out into the silent 
forest, through which the enemy was even then beginning to 
creep. 

When they had come to the point of separation Phil halted 
his men for a last word. You each know your post,” he said. 

You will now go to it, and watch closely till the signal is given 
to return. This I will give thus: ” He twice repeated the call of 
the quail, and then resumed. The man nearest to me will 
repeat this to the next one, and so on, till you all have heard it. 
On hearing the signal let each man, having repeated it, come 
at once to this spot, where we will compare observations, and 
report to the general. That is all; be cautious, be faithful.” 

Without another word the little band dissolved under the 
arching branches. Phil himself repaired to a very tall tree, over- 
looking a wide area, and climbed it nimbly. The wind sighed 


AT SABATOOA, 


in 

through the waving branches, through which, on his right, 
he saw the long blue scarf of the Hudson flowing peace- 
fully down to New York and Cicely. He dared not allow 
himself to dwell on the longing the sight of the beautiful 
river always aroused in him, the yearning desire to throw 
himself on its broad bosom, and be carried away to home 
and peace again. Banishing the thoughts the river suggested, 
he concentrated his powers on the task before him, and 
soon felt sure that he saw an occasional gleam of scarlet 
flitting through the cool green of the forest, and the flash 
of bright steel, as an opening in the thick branches let the sun- 
light fall on the burnished bayonets. Again and again he saw this 
sight, always towards what was called the Quaker Eoad, which 
passed Bemis Heights. He waited till it was near noon, and then 
feeling sure of his ground, slid down the mossy trunk of the tall 
pine, and whistled twice: Bob White, Bob White.^’ Then he 
made his way toward the meeting place, and waited. Presently 
the scouts began coming in one by one, and when the entire hand 
had joined him (and confirmed his own observations) Phil made 
the fastest possible speed to Arnold. 

There is no doubt, your Excellency,^’ he panted in reply to 
the general’s impatient Well ? of interrogation. The British 
are trying to attack our camp in the rear and front at once. 
They are marching now up the Quaker Eoad, part directly, part 
circuitously, to get behind the heights, and the artillery are 
coming down the river road to assail the front. It is a good plan, 
sir, hut the fortifications are strong.” 

" Strong ! ” cried Arnold, eager and delighted to go into 
action, his voice positively jubilant. Why, Master Phil, we’ll 


122 


AT SARATOGA. 


not wait to defend ! We will ourselves attack. Eide with me 
to see the Commander. We’ll try if we can persuade him into the 
only sure course, though if I know him he’ll stay in his shell till 
some one cracks it. Oh, why haven’t we our brave Schuyler still 
to lead us r Orderly, go order horses for Captain Martin and me.” 

Thank heaven we have our daring Arnold left,” said Phil 
affectionately. 

Arnold laid his hand on Phil’s arm; his handsome face 
clouded, and he said gloomily : I am not magnanimous and 
forgiving like Washington and Schuyler, who never seem to think 
of themselves at all. The injustice I suffer at the hands of 
Congress raises an evil spirit in me. I sometimes wish I could 
strike one great blow for freedom, and then let a bullet enter my 
dissatisfied heart.” 

Phil was too surprised and pained at this outburst from the 
dashing Arnold to reply, but as he was hesitating for words 
Arnold’s brow cleared, he laughed, and said: Come on now to 
the heights, and Gates. We’ll meet these fellows in the field, 
and put an end to the little game you have so fortunately dis- 
covered.” 

They rode rapidly to headquarters, and laid the facts before 
Gates. 

I can’t allow any of the troops to leave their strong position,” 
said that marplot, having listened to Arnold’s plan. 

Arnold’s veins swelled, and he dug his nails into his hands, 
for it was almost more than he could ever do to endure Gates, 
and this answer was maddening. He burst forth with a torrent 
of urging, pleading even, though he did so detest his new superior, 
to be allowed to have his way, and Phil, as far as he dared, added 


AT 8AEAT0GA, 


123 


his voice to Arnold’s. At last, fairly swept away by the torrent 
of Arnold’s words. Gates gave him Dearborn’s infantry and Mor- 
gan’s riflemen to go down and check the British advance. 

The meeting was a fnrions one. Arnold fought, as he always 
did, desperately and fearlessly, but he had to deal with a foe 
superior in numbers, and not inferior in courage. 

Captain Phil,” said the general at last to Phil, who had kept 
by his side through the wild two hours of the action, there are 
eleven thousand men yonder on Bemis Heights doing naught. 
With reinforcements I can win the day. Send David Beaton to 
that sluggard boaster, and tell him I must have more men. Tell 
him not to delay. If Gates will listen but this once to another 
we have conquered Burgoyne’s army.” 

Phil dispatched David with the message. The lad rode with 
all his might up the hill where Gates lay intrenched. He had 
left a field reeking with smoke and blood, where so many brave 
Americans lay dying that he could scarcely prevent his horse 
trampling on them as he dashed away. He found the new Com- 
mander-in-chief of the Northern army engaged in a game of 
piquet with an aide, and he could scarce deliver Arnold’s mes- 
sage for the rage with which the sight filled him. 

Tell him no,” said Gates, having listened to the appeal 
David poured forth, which lost nothing in his delivering. Not 
another man shall leave these heights to join that insane fellow. 
No, I tell you,” he thundered, half rising, and firing a volley of 
oaths at David, which he seemed to prefer to other missives all 
through the two battles of Saratoga. Not another word. Am I the 
Commander, or am I not ? Go back to Arnold and tell him I re- 
fuse. Colonel, the deal is yours.” And he resumed the game. 


124 


AT SARATOGA, 


David retired, more disgusted than any words could have ex- 
pressed. Mounting again he started hack to bear the ill news 
to Arnold. As he dashed along a line of woods he felt a sharp 
sting in his leg, and knew that he was wounded. In a moment 
the pain became intense, but the plucky lad kept his seat, and 
rode on towards the point where he had left Phil and his general, 
still a mile away. He was white from loss of blood, and swayed 
in his saddle as he came up with them. Gates refuses,^^ he 
gasped, and fell in a dead faint at Arnold’s feet. 

Poor boy ! take him to the rear,” said Arnold, calling up 
one of the men. Eefuses, does he ! Never mind, Phil ; we will 
win as we are.” 

But this was impossible, and darkness called a halt, leaving 
the British still in possession of the farm before which the battle 
had been fought. Yet in a sense the Americans were victorious, 
for Arnold had defeated the plan which Burgoyne had laid of 
attacking the American fortifications in the rear. 

The three weeks that followed were troublous ones for Phil. 
First of all, matters in the army were as bad as they could be. 
Though Gates had claimed the honors of the fight, the army 
knew the truth, and was wild with enthusiasm for brave Arnold. 
Gates’ jealousy rose to such a pitch that he actually told his rival 
to go back to Washington, for he wanted him no more. Arnold’s 
hot temper flared up, and taking him at his word he demanded 
his pass, which Gates gladly gave him. 

Phil was horrified at the thought of losing the only man whom 
he believed could beat Burgoyne, now Schuyler was deposed, and 
though he was but an insignificant young officer, he resolved to 
do something to retain his general. He drew up a letter begging 


AT SARATOGA, 


125 


Arnold to stay with them, and took it to the generals for signing. 
Every general in the army, hut Lincoln, gladly gave their names 
to this petition, and one night Phil carried it to Arnold in his 
tent. 

The general read it, and his face grew crimson. He was proud, 
high-tempered, conceited, but generous, and loyal then, alas, poor 
Benedict Arnold ! loyal then to his country and to Washington. 
He dropped the letter on his narrow bed, and rose to pace his 
tent, saying with a half sob: “Confound it, Phil, Twas a kind 
thing on the part of the generals, and Pm grateful. But I can’t 
stay, boy; a man must have some self-respect, and between Con- 
gress and this cowardly bully. Pm treated — why, Pve no words 
to say how Pm treated.” 

“Ho one knows it better than I, than we all who love you, 
dear General,” cried Phil. “ But you know no one can serve your 
country now like you. Stay for her sake. Stay for Washing- 
ton’s sake, who loves you, trusts you, appreciates you, sent you 
here to do your best. Shall it he said brave Benedict Arnold 
turned his hack on his duty for the petty spite of a miserable cur 
like Gates ? Scorn him. General ; you are a man, and he is a 
worm. Stay for the sake of us all, who can’t fight without some 
one to lead us. Stay till you, carrying out your true friend 
Schuyler’s work, have made Burgoyne surrender. Look at those 
names on that paper !' Are not they of more weight than that, 
one scurvy puppy who’s jealous of you, and by his very meanness 
pays a tribute to your courage and importance ? Stay, dear 
General.” 

Arnold turned on his heel as Phil paused! for breath, and with 
characteristic impetuosity, laughed with tears in his eyes. “ Why 


126 


AT SAEATOGA. 


Phil, I verily believe thou shouldst have been a pleader, and no 
soldier. Well, for this once more Idl swallow niy wrongs, and 
stay at my post. But by eternal truth and justice, there’s a 
limit to my endurance, though there seems none to Schuyler’s.” 

Thus had Phil tided over the threatening public evil, but he 
had a private sorrow, for David, poor, patient David, had proved 
to be seriously wounded. The ball had shattered his knee, and 
the poor lad was threatened with the loss of his leg. It was the 
eve of the second battle of Freeman’s farm when the army sur- 
geon pronounced all hope of saving it vain, and amputated it with 
the crude instruments of the place and time, when the blessed 
use of anaesthetics was not known. David suffered horribly, and 
Phil scarce less than he. He had learned to love the gentle boy, 
as did every one who knew him well, and he could scarcely endure 
the thought that if he recovered, he must go on crutches all his 
days. 

It was with a heavy heart that he made ready, on the seventh 
of October, to follow Arnold into that battle which gallant Bur- 
goyne’s desperate attempt to escape from the large American 
force surrounding him, opened on that golden autumn morning. 
He knew that Burgoyne w^as even then attacking the American 
left, and he had no idea that Arnold would be allowed to remain 
inactive. What was his alarm and disgust as he left his tent to 
learn that this was the case. Arnold was watching the fight 
from the height, still without a command. Phil came up to him, 
and stood beside him in silence, too moved to speak. Arnold 
laid his clenched left hand on his shoulder. Is it for this you 
begged me to stay, Phil Martin ? ” he said hoarsely. 

Ho; look yonder,” said Phil. 


AT SARATOGA, 


127 


The Americans had attacked the British general, Fraser, and 
broken his line. Fraser was at that instant re-forming further 
back. Arnold saw that the moment for a decisive blow had come. 
He held the bridle of his horse on his arm, and Phil’s was in his 
hand. Throwing himself on his horse’s back, and shouting: 

Come on, Phil. Follow me,” Arnold galloped madly down 
the heights. 

Stop him ! Call that fellow back,” shouted Gates. He 
will do something rash.” 

An orderly obeyed, and raced after the general, but Arnold 
and Phil outstripped him, and dashed down to the plain, reining 
up among the soldiers. A shout arose that drowned all 
other din of battle. Arnold, Arnold of Ticonderoga, the 
fighting general had come ! The men adored him, and rushed on 
Fraser, Arnold leading, with a fury that swept all before them. 
Fraser fell just as Arnold charged on him with the pent up 
vehemence of his nature, and the insults he had been bearing, 
and Fraser’s left wing was driven from the field. Next Arnold 
turned to the British right, and with Morgan’s co-operation, 
crushed, it utterly. 

Phil followed his mad general, whose spirit seemed to have 
entered into him, for he, too, fought with a recklessness that took 
no heed of danger. Just as the British right wing was com- 
pletely annihilated Phil dashed over to ask instructions of his 
general. As he came up he saw a wounded German raise him- 
self on his elbow as he lay on the ground, and take deliberate aim 
at Arnold. The general’s horse fell dead, and he too fell, whether 
dead or wounded Phil did not know. H^ did not wait to dis- 
cover. With fixed bayonet he rushed on tbe wounded German, 


128 


AT SARATOGA. 


filled only with a mad rage of revenge for the injury to his 
beloved leader. But Arnold’s voice rang out, clear, though he 
could not rise, and from habit of obecllence Phil halted as it 
reached his ears. Stop, Phil ; for God’s sake don’t hurt him ; 
he’s a fine fellow ! ” cried Arnold, great in that hour of victory, 
in spite of the dark days the future held. 

Phil stayed his hand, and hastened over to Arnold. ^^Are 
you much hurt, dear General ? ” he asked anxiously. 

Oh, no ; not seriously,” replied Arnold. I’m wounded in 
the leg like your poor friend David. It’s the same leg that was 
wounded at Quebec, that’s the dickens of it; however, it’s 
nothing. You might get me out of this if you can.” 

Of course I can. Thank God, you’re spared to us,” cried 
Phil fervently, little dreaming that the day would come when he 
would regret with passionate grief that the leader he then loved 
so truly had not died in that moment of splendid triumph, and 
great-hearted generosity. 

Four soldiers came at his signal, and lifted Arnold to carry 
him to the rear. Phil walked beside him, for darkness was 
falling, the work of the day was done, and done thoroughly. 
Victory, complete and glorious, was the Americans’. 

As Phil crossed the battle-field, keeping close to the wounded 
general, and stepping carefully aside from the dead and dying 
around him, a stray bullet from the gun of some straggler of the 
retreating British army whistled through the air. Phil threw 
up his arms, and fell without a sound on Arnold’s broad chest. 
The general extended his arms to catch him, with a groan the 
pain of his wound could not draw from him. He had sons of 
his own, and he loved Phil well. 


CHAPTER XII. 


CICELY GOES NORTH. 

Cicely sat hemming fine linen for rufiles for Phil, occasion- 
ally raising her eyes to look througih the small window panes at 
the snow drifting down Wall Street, and whitening the heavy 
Dntch shutters of the houses. It was early in February, 1778, 
and beyond the news of Burgoyne’s surrender no tidings of the 
Xorthern army had reached her; none whatever of Phil. 

A boy came down the street through the snow-storm; she 
watched him listlessly until he disappeared from sight under her 
window, and in a moment she heard the knocker reverberate 
through the quiet house. Presently Mrs. Mullin appeared with 
a scared face, holding a letter gingerly in the tips of her fingers, 
as though she feared it might explode. 

’Tis a letter from Captain Watts, Cicely darling, and the 
hoy waits below stairs for an answer,” she said. 

Cicely broke the seal, and shook the damp paper from its folds. 
The letter was dated Philadelphia, where Howe was then in pos- 
session, and ran thus: 

My dear Cicely: A letter from General Burgoyne hath 
reached us in which he tells us that he is, as you probably already 
know, a most fortunate prisoner of war, enjoying General Schuy- 
ler’s generous hospitality at Albany. I am not at all certain that ■ 

129 


130 


CICELY GOES NOBTH. 


you have been able to receive news from Phil through the lines 
since the unhappy Convention of Saratoga. The defeated 
generaFs letter informs General Howe, with the request that I 
be told, that Phil was dangerously wounded at the close of that 
engagement and that the lad David Beaton, who escaped me in 
New York, had lost his leg.’^ 

Cicely paused in her reading a moment to gain courage to go 
on, and Mrs. Mullin put her arms around her, alarmed at her pale 
face. Passing her hand over her eyes to clear away the mist 
gathering there Cicely resumed. General Schuyler showed to 
the unfortunate of both sides equal kindness. He sent Burgoyne 
and the Baroness Eiedesel with her children to his own house in 
Albany, and with them Phil and David Beaton, who seem to be 
great favorites of his. Phil hath been dreadfully ill, but is 
mending. He is still weak, however, and General Burgoyne, 
wishing to show some appreciation of General Schuyler’s wonder- 
ful magnanimity, begs General Howe to grant you, for whom 
he has discovered Phil is longing, a pass to Albany to nurse him 
into complete strength. I rejoice to tell you, my dear Cicely, 
that General Howe cheerfully accedes to this request, and a pass 
is at your disposition if you signify to the messenger who hath 
brought you this, that you desire it, and will give your written 
promise on receiving it to use it yourself, and solely for the 
purpose for which it is given. I find it in my heart to envy Phil, 
whose pain will purchase cheaply being again united to his sister. 
I did not see you while I was in New York; I thought it better 
not. My task is not an easy one, and your brother Phil, sick in 
body, needs you no less than your other brother, sick at heart. 
Your faithful Eichard Watts.” 


CICELY GOES NOliTH. 


131 


Cicely’s tears fell fast as she read this letter, the sadness of 
which she did not understand. 

Go tell the messenger that I accept the pass most gratefully, 
and will give the required promise,” she said. Then as Mrs. 
Mullin returned she sprang to her feet, just beginning to realize, 
in spite of her sorrow at the sad news that David was crippled, 
that she had reason to rejoice that Phil was safe. 

I’ve good news for you now, my darling,” said her old 
nurse. I heard it to-day.” 

What is it ? ” cried Cicely. Good news would he thrice 
good now.” 

There’s a ship come in,” said Mrs. Mullin significantly. 

Well ? ” demanded Cicely, as nothing followed this an- 
nouncement. 

There’s a priest come on her. Father de la Motte is his name, 
and he’s asked permission to say Mass for the Catholics in hTew 
York, but the authorities refused him,” said Mrs. Mullin. 

Do you call that good news ? ” cried Cicely. I never 
heard Mass hut once in my life, you know, and I would give 
anything to have had this priest say it. Why couldn’t they have 
let him ? ” 

Hush,” whispered Mrs. Mullin, laying her finger on her lip, 
and looking around fearfully. Sure ’twas a most unjust thing, 
and ’twould be no harm at all to he letting the few we are have 
the comfort of a Mass. But Father de la Motte is no coward. 
He’s going to make out he didn’t understand, and thought he’d 
got the permission he ought to have had, Wd he’ll say the Mass 
an3^how to-morrow morning in a private house down by the river 
bank.” 


132 


CICELY GOES NORTH. 


Oh, how delightful ! cried Cicely. Nurse, dear, you’ll 
have to tell me how to behave. How long is it since I heard that 
one Mass of my lifetime ? ” 

Ten years, and you were a bit of a child, but that quiet and 
good 3^ou’d think ’twas a fine cathedral service, and you a grown 
up woman,’’ said Mrs. Mullin, still proud of her charge’s wonder- 
ful precocity. Sure, I can’t be telling you how to behave. 
You’ve read the Mass prayers every Sunday, and you can just 
follow the older people. Now when will you be starting for 
Albany ? ” 

J ust as soon as I can get away,” said Cicely eagerly. “ The 
day after to-morrow, surely.” 

And what will you do with the house, and where will T 
be staying ? ” asked Mrs. Mullin. I can’t let you go so far 
alone.” 

But there will be no pass for you; I must go alone,” said 
Cicely. Oh, I shall be safe; you forget I am growing up, and 
am near eighteen. You will stay here, nursey, and keep house 
till I come back.” 

Alone ? ” asked Mrs. Mullin. 

^^Now, are you going to be timid ?” laughed Cicely. "No, 
you won’t be alone with four soldiers in the house, and no doubt 
you can find some woman to stay with you.” 

Mrs. Mullin twisted her apron, and looked queer, but all she 
said was: " I’ll have to be hunting some one.” 

Cicely rose early, and made herself ready for the second Mass 
which she had had the opportunity of hearing. The storm had 
cleared away, but the streets were full of snow, the paths not yet 
shovelled. There were not many to take advantage of this chance 


CICELY GOES NORTH. 


133 


to hear Mass, hut the few who were Catholics were already 
making their way through the heavy drifts as Cicely and her old 
nurse came out of the house, little dreaming of the great cathe- 
dral that one day was to crown the city’s finest street, where then 
were glittering fields and woods, and of the crowds that were to 
throng its long aisles. 

They reached the little house by the river where the Mass 
was to be said, and found the small parlor and entry filled with 
quiet worshippers, many with tear-wet faces as they remembered 
far-off homes where they had last heard Mass. Father de la 
Motte had brought with him from shipboard his vestments, 
sacred vessels, and altar stone, and as Cicely and Mrs. Mullin 
sank on their knees in the only available space near the door, he 
came forth, vested, from an inner room, and Mass began. There 
were many of the younger ones who, like Cicely, had hardly 
heard Mass before in their lives; there were older people who had 
heard it but rarely when the Jesuit missionaries had come that 
way, or who had knelt in the old cathedrals of Europe in 
days long past. There was not one, young or old, to whom the 
scene was not inexpressibly touching, or who had not some 
special reason in those dark days of war and privation, to offer up 
the Holy Sacrifice for all that was dearest to them on earth. But 
the Gloria was said, for Lent had not begun, and there was more 
reason for saying it hidden in the future than those poor souls 
knew. 

The Mass was over at last; Father de la Motte addressed a 
few earnest words to his little congregation^ and the people began 
to disperse, but in small numbers, and as secretly as possible, 
for if the priest were discovered to have given the consolation 


134 


CICELY GOES NORTE. 


of Mass to the people, against the prohibition of the authorities, 
they knew that he would be severely punished. 

On her return home Cicely busied herself with preparations 
for her journey to Albany, which she had been able to arrange 
for the following day. Mrs. Mullin scarcely left her side, but 
towards night she went out for a while, and when she came back 
Private McElroy was with her. They both looked rather queer 
and excited, and Mrs. Mullin threw her apron over her head, and 
dropping on a chair began rocking her portly person to and fro, 
in apparent anguish of mind. 

Dear nursey, what is it ? cried Cicely, dreadfully 
frightened. Has anything happened ? 

Enough has happened,^^ groaned Mrs. Mullin. ^^And first 
of all Father de la Motte is arrested.” 

Arrested ! For saying Mass ? ” cried Cicely. Mrs. Mullin 
nodded, and Private McElroy did the same. 

What an outrage ! Isn’t it dreadful ! When did it happen ? 
Will he go to prison ? ” asked Cicely in one breath. 

"Sure, he’s gone to prison,” cried Mrs. Mullin, "and they 
took the blessed man just after we left him.” 

" You left him ? Have you been to see him ? ” asked Cicely 
in surprise. 

" Oh, that’s the worst of it, darling. What will you think of 
me ? But I’ll never leave you, and I couldn’t be staying here 
alone, and the good Lord only knows when you’ll come back,” 
sobbed Mrs. Mullin. 

"I don’t understand,” said Cicely bewildered. "Won’t you 
please tell me what you are thinking about ? ” 

Mrs. Mullin dropped her apron, and turned a red and indig- 


CIO ELY GOES NORTH. 


135 


nant face on the private. Why don’t you say something, and 
not stand there grinning, and as dumb as an oyster ? ” she 
demanded. Tell her, for Tis your fault, and I won’t tell her 
myself.” 

Private McElroy twisted his cap in his hand, shifted on one 
foot, and then on the other, grinned helplessl}^, and finally said: 

Well, you see. Mistress Cecilia, I’ve been at her this long time, 
hut she said she’d never he seen goin’ before no magistrate. So 
I was puttin’ it to her that ’twas fiyin’ in the face of Providence, 
so ’twas, not to go to the priest when one was here, and we went, 
and that’s the long and short of it.” 

" But what for ? ” demanded Cicely, not yet enlightened. 

Lord love your little heart, mistress,” said the private 
pityingly. What do folks he goin’ to the priest for ? There’s 
christenings, for which we’re kinder old, and buryin’s, for which 
we’re kinder lively, and that leaves only one thing, doesn’t it, 
now ? ” 

Not married ! ” gasped Cicely, sitting straight down on the 
floor in collapsed surprise. 

The very same, mistress, and let me have the pleasure of 
presentin’ to ye me wife. Mistress McElroy,” said the beaming 
private. 

" Oh, get along with you,” cried Mrs. Mullin, or rather Mrs. 
McElroy, while Cicely said: But you never could bear him; 
you were always quarrelling ! ” 

Now, Mistress Cecilia, think again,” sgid the private. Sure, 
it takes two for a quarrel, and I was ne'^^r one of ’em. ’Twas 
only a way she had, and I never minded her more than a robin 
redbreast whistlin’.” 


136 


CICELY GOES NORTH. 


Fm sure it’s very nice/’ said Cicely, rising to her feet, and 
adjusting herself as well as she could to the new thought, “ and 
I’m very glad. I always liked you. Private McElroy, and I’ve 
good reason to know how kind you are. I shall feel better in 
going away to know you will take care of my dear old nursey. I 
hope you’ll be just as happy as you can be,” she added, kissing 
her foster mother warmly. 

The former Mrs. Mullin gathered her in her arms, with a loud 
sob, and kissed her again and again. I’ll never leave you for 
any one on earth, my darling, and so I’ve told him often and 
often,” she said. He’s good enough for a man; they’re poor, 
makeshift things the best of ’em. I only married him for pity, 
but you’re my baby, my prid^ my darling beauty girl, and I’d 
not leave you to marry every soldier in the king’s army.” 

Sure, we believe that,” said the private with one of his 
expressive winks. ^^’Tis far better to marry one soldier than 
the whole army. Mistress McElroy.” 

The next day Cicely left her home in the charge of the pri- 
vate’s bride, who watched her drive away with tear-dimmed eyes, 
and set out on her journey to Albany. It was a long journey in 
those days, and the snow lay deep in the North, but armed with 
General Howe’s pass through the British lines, and Schuyler’s 
passport to the American army she felt no fear, and tried to 
possess her soul in all the patience she could summon through the 
fatigues of primitive modes of travel, and her impatience to see 
Phil. 

It was late in the afternoon of the third day of her journey 
that she entered the picturesque town, with its steep hills, rising 
from the ice-bound river, and drove up to the door of a noble 


CICELY GOES NORTH, 


137 


mansion at the southern end of the town, far removed from the 
old manor house at its northern end, whence General Schuyler 
had brought Kitty Van Eensselaer to be his wife, and its charming 
mistress. 

The heavy door flew open as the carriage stopped, a lovely 
lady with two young girls on either hand stood in the portal to 
welcome her, with three little children peering out through their 
skirts. 

A gentleman in undress uniform, with a gentle, kindly smile 
of welcome, came down the steps, and handed her from the 
carriage. Welcome, my dear child; I love your brother, and 
am most glad to take him such a certain cure,’’ he said. 

Are you our great General Schuyler ? ” asked Cicely, putting 
her cold little hands in his without a trace of the fear she had 
thought she should feel, completely at ease in the trust this 
good man inspired in all who were as true-hearted as he was. 

1 am Philip Schuyler, my child, and I have the honor of 
serving this young country of ours in the rank of general,” he 
said quietly. This is Mistress Schuyler, and Peggy and Betsy, 
my daughters, all glad to welcome you.” 

That we are,” echoed Margaret Schuyler cordially, as her 
mother kissed Cicely, and Elizabeth gently removed their young 
guest’s muff and veil. 

Ach, wie schon,” piped one of the children who had been 
staring at the newcomer. 

These are the children of the Baroness Eiedesel, whose mis- 
fortunes we are trying to banish from her recollection,” said 
General Schuyler. ""Do you understand^ German ? ” 

"" None at all,” said Cicely. 


138 


CICELY GOES NORTH. 


’Tis as well, for this little one might have made you blush/’ 
laughed the good general. Tell the young lady we are very 
glad she hath come, Liebchen.” 

Du hist so schon wie ein Engel; hitte, ein Kuss, Fraulein,” 
said the child instead. 

I don't understand,” said Cicely, as every one laughed. 

She says you are lovely as an angel, and begs for a kiss,” 
said Mrs. Schuyler, and Cicely was glad to hide her confusion by 
stooping down to the mite, and doing as she was requested. 

It is not kind to keep Cicely here,” said Elizabeth Schuyler; 

I shall call you Cicely, mayn’t I ? I know you are dying to go 
to your brother; I have seen your eyes wandering down the hall 
ever so many times.” 

You’re right, Betsy. Come this way. Mistress Cicely,” said 
the general. 

Cicely followed with her heart beating high. 

“You must be prepared to find him thin and changed; he 
hath been close to the borderland, but there is no longer the 
slightest danger,” said the general, pausing at the end of the 
great hall, with his hand on the door-knob. Cicely could not 
answer, and General Schuyler, seeing her excitement, opened the 
door, and having admitted her, closed it without entering himself. 

Cicely heard the sound of crutches, and saw a slender figure 
rise from a big chair, and hold out both hands, as he leaned on his 
crutches. At the end of the room was a couch, and on this, 
resting on his elbow, with big, hollow eyes looking out of a 
white pinched face, was something that looked like the ghost of 
Phil. For a moment Cicely stood motionless, then with a cry of 
mingled grief and joy she ran across the room, and threw herself 


CICELY COES NORTH. 


139 


in her brother’s arms. Phil held her close, nnable to speak, 
sobbing like a girl in his excitement and weakness. 

Then Cicely remembered David, and disengaged herself from 
Phil’s arms to gather the poor lame lad in her own, sobbing: 

Oh, Davy, my poor, brave, dear Davy ! ” 

For a few moments they could only hold each other fast, their 
hearts beating with the joy of a meeting that had in it much of 
sorrow. 

After a time they grew calmer, and sat hand in hand, too 
thankful and happy for words. 

When Margaret Schuyler came to summon her new come guest 
to tea, she found Davy enthroned on the arm of her chair, satis- 
fied not to speak if he could but know he had Cicely once again. 
While Phil had fallen asleep with a happy smile on his face, 
both his thin hands clasping his sister’s firm ones. 


CHAPTER XIII. 


BACK TO SERVICE. 

General Burgotne^s prescription for Phil proved so effi- 
cacious that General Schuyler laughingly said that he should 
hold commission as a surgeon as well as general in his majesty’s 
army. Phil improved rapidly in the sunshine of his sister’s pres- 
ence, and a week after her arrival saw him crawling slowly down 
the big hall, not as fast as David could hobble along on his 
crutches, even with Cicely’s arm to lean on, but on his feet again, 
which was much. 

Both brother and sister, indeed the entire household, were 
grateful to the captive British general for obtaining permission 
for Cicely to join her brother at Albany. She had crept info the 
affection of every one under General Schuyler’s roof before her 
first week among them was over. The little Riedesels followed 
her like a new kind of round shadows, and were so persistently 
determined she should understand their German that she actually 
began to do so. Peggy and Betsy Schuyler adopted her at once 
as their dearest friend, and even baby Kitty, Washington’s god- 
daughter, screamed with delight when Cicely’s bright head ap- 
peared in the doorway. 

Cicely herself had never been so happy in her life as she was 
then. Aside from the joy of seeing Phil coming back to her more 
surely every day, the young girl revelled in the delightful family 

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141 


life in wliich she found herself, and which she and Phil, brought 
up alone in the old Wall Street house with no mother to bring 
the atmosphere of home into it, had never tasted before. All 
day long she sat with Phil, reading to him, or sewing and 
chatting, David hovering about her chair as though he feared 
to lose her if he took his eyes off her for a moment. As Phil 
grew stronger Peggy and Betsy joined them, and General Schuy- 
ler, in his study across the hall, often paused to smile in sympathy 
with the gay shouts of laughter which rang out from the sitting- 
room where the young folk gathered. 

General Burgoyne had been assigned the great room upstairs 
on the south, in which he spent most of the time, being little 
minded to sociability, although nothing was left undone to make 
his situation easier to him. But at night he often invited ^‘^the 
children,” as he called them, to join him, and many a pleasant 
evening was spent around his hearth listening to his tales of army 
life in England, and the wonders of big London, and the court. 

'But this pleasant life could not continue long unchanged; 
vdth the breaking up of the winter came the breaking up of the 
household, which the young people had almost come to feel had 
been and should be as it was forever. It is doubtful whether 
the Baroness Kiedesel, or General Burgoyne ever quite forgot 
that they were prisoners of war, in spite of the kindness showered 
on them by the Schuylers; in any case the tardy spring, and slow 
melting snow of the region of the upper Hudson found them 
on their way, the Baroness to join her husband, and General 
Burgoyne to set sail for England. Phil was not sufficiently 
restored to go back to the army; poor David could never serve 
again, and so they lingered on through the soft May days, when 


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the restlessness of spring added to the fever in Phil’s blood to get 
back to action, and- made him chafe, even while he was so happy, 
in dangling at Cicely’s dainty apron-strings,” as he pnt it. 

General Schuyler had gone, and news began coming up the 
river of the terrible suffering at Valley Forge to which the spring 
was putting an end none too soon. 

I tell thee. Cicely, I can’t stay idling here longer,” cried Phil, 
bursting out with tremendous emphasis after some moments of 
silence. He and David were sitting with Margaret and Elizabeth 
Schuyler and Cicely, under the trees at the southern end of the 
Schuyler lawn. It was a perfect day in June, the trees fully clad, 
yet in foliage of that peculiar fresh radiance that is never worn 
except in that month which is at once the crown and beginning 
of the summer. All around them came bursts of bird-song, so 
happy that any but the very young could not have heard them 
without tears, and at their feet the noble Hudson flashed through 
the lower branches of the trees, flowing down past green, peaceful 
banks into the frowning Highlands on its way to the sea. 

Yet it is very lovely here, Phil, and I fear to lose thee quite 
if I let thee go again,” said Cicely, looking up from her em- 
broidery to reply to her brother’s outburst. 

It is perfect here,” said Phil cordially. “ I never expect to 
be as happy anywhere as I might be here, if — ” 

Conditional praise. Captain Phil,” interrupted Peggy Schuy- 
ler laughingly, holding up her finger. Fie ! where’s your gal- 
lantry ? Might be happy here if, indeed ! ” 

“Hay, dear Mistress Peggy, you know I meant no lack of 
gallantry,” replied Phil stoutly. “ I was about to say if I did not 
feel duty tugging at the reins. You would not want me to be 


BACK TO SERVICE, 


143 


happy here when I know my country needs me; you’re yonr 
father’s daughter, you know.” 

“ Where would you go from here, Phil ? ” asked Cicely moum- 
fully. 

“ Straight to Washington, and report for duty,” replied Phil 
promptly, showing his plans wxre well matured. David and I 
discuss this often, and we agree I must not stay, since the doctor 
has told me I am in fighting trim once more.” 

And David ? ” asked Cicely, while at the same moment 
Betsy Schuyler said meditatively: Mr. Hamilton must be with 

the Commander-in-chief, I suppose.” 

Surely; he is an aide-de-camp,” said Phil. 

I think Betsy dreams of Mr. Hamilton as a sort of hero in 
a fairy-tale,” laughed her sister. 

I have long thought Mistress Betsy found stories of Mr. 
Hamilton more interesting than my own glorious adventures,” 
added Phil slyly. 

Hay,” cried Betsy, blushing painfully. I scarcely know Mr. 
Hamilton, only it seems to me he must he both brave and clever, 
from all I have heard. Sure, ’twas no harm to ask if he were with 
the general ! ” 

Hot any harm indeed, Betty,” said Peggy, sorry for having 
so embarrassed her sister. ‘^^Hor any harm to dream a hero, 
since we find few in Avaking.” j 

But the future held more than the ffilfilment of her dream 
for Elizabeth Schuyler, who was to be Alexknder Hamilton’s wife. 

Hay, Peggy; we have more heroes around us in waking than 
in dreaming in these great days,” said Cicely. Think of Wash- 
ington, and your dear father — 


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And Arnold/^ broke in Phil. 

^^And one Dick Watts, though he wears the wrong color/’ 
added Peggy, glancing sidewise at Cicely. 

Pve no doubt he aots the hero/’ said Cicely with a proud 
little toss of her curls. But to be sensible. No one answered 
my question: What of Davy, if Phil joins the army 

David answered for himself: I go too.” 

Oh, not you, Davy dear,” cried Cicely dropping her work. 

I can’t let my big brother and my little brother go together, 
and think, dear Davy, though you get on so well that it really 
makes scarcely any difference that you use crutches — indeed it is 
nicer, because it will prevent you fighting, and me worrying 
about you — still it will prevent you fig’hting, won’t it ? ” 

Yes,” said Davy sadly. I could give Captain Watts now 
the promise he asked when I was escaping, for I never can bear 
arms against the king again. But I must follow Phil, and per- 
haps I can make myself useful in some way about the camp. 
Can’t you teach me to sew. Cicely ? The army needs sempstresses, 
from what we hear.” 

Cicely did not reply at once; the note of discontent in David’s 
words was unmistakable, and she had no comfort to offer. 

When do you mean to go ? ” she asked instead. I see 
your plans are all made.” 

A week from to-day,” Phil replied promptly. There will 
be a chance to go down to West Point with a farmer who is driving 
there from Albany then, and David and I are to be tucked away 
among early peas.” 

^^You arranged it all, and never told me,” cried Cicely re- 
proachfully. 


BACK TO SERVICE. 


145 


Nay, it was but just arranged this morning; I saw no use in 
distressing you till it was certain/^ replied Phil. 

We are sorry enough to lose you, both of you,’^ said Peggy 
Schuyler heartily. ^^You are as much like two dear brothers 
to us as boys could be, but I don’t blame you for going; Pd go 
myself if I could, and I would not keep you, nor would Cicely, 
when she gets enough used to the idea to say so.” 

I say so now,” cried Cicely valiantly, though a trifle huskily. 

Bravo ! And now I’ve a word to say,” cried Betsy. “ Not 
one step from our house does Cicely stir, till matters are settled 
enough for you to send for her to join you. We will keep her, 
by fair means if we can, by force if necessary, but keep her we 
will.” 

Amen ! ” cried Peggy. 

^^You won’t have to use force, dear Peggy and Bet,” laughed 
Cicely. You are as good as you can be to want me, and nothing 
could make me as happy as being with you.” 

Then that’s settled,” cried the Schuyler girls together, 
rising. Come to tea.” 

You can’t think how glad I am to know Cicely is to be with 
you, nor how I thank you for your kindness,” said Phil to Betsy, 
as they strolled a little ahead of the others towards the house. 

Nonsense, we’re not kind; we love her,” said Betsy as though 
that disposed of the matter, as indeed it did. 

A week from that day a little group,( with Mrs. Schuyler at 
its head, stood at the gates of the Schuylei* mansion waving their 
handkerchiefs, which were moist from hasty strokes on wet lashes 
between the waving. Phil and David looked back from the road, 
returning the farewell with caps and handkerchiefs as long as they 


146 


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could be seen. The farmer who was to drive them on their long 
journey waited for them a little down the road, and Phil’s mare 
was ready for her master beside the wagon, the plan being that 
he was to ride when his strength allowed. In a few moments a 
bend in the road shut away the last tint of the girls’ fluttering 
muslins and ribbons. Phil drew a long breath, half a sob, half 
relief, and tightened his belt, and straightened his shoulders. 

That’s over,” he said. How for duty, David.” 

David swung along manfully between his crutches, but he 
said nothing. For him there could be neither the excitement 
and glory of war, nor the peace of home life. He followed Phil, 
wherein, as he conceived it, his duty lay, and that was all each 
day held for crippled Davy. 

The journey was a slow one; the sober farm-horses made only 
about thirty miles a day, and counting out Sunday, on which the 
Dutch farmer would no more travel than would the strictest 
Pharisee in Jerusalem have journeyed on the Sabbath, it was 
nearly a week after they left Albany that the little party reached 
West Point, where they were to part. 

Phil and David had made part of the way to the army’s camp 
at Paramus when they heard the tidings that the French fleet had 
come, and was anchored off Sandy Hook, and Washington was 
breaking camp to take the army to White Plains, whither they at 
once turned their faces. It was the third week in July when they 
reached White Plains, and the Commander-in-chief had pre- 
ceded them by only five days. 

Phil’s first inquiry on arriving at camp was for Alexander 
Hamilton, and when the slender figure of the young aide came 
hastily across the field, and Hamilton’s voice cried out: Where 


BACK TO SERVICE. 


147 


is he ? Where is my old Phil ? he found himself sore tried 
not to break down in the joy of the meeting, for he had not yet 
quite regained his strength. 

Pd fall on your neck, if I weren’t too dusty,” Phil said, laugh- 
ing instead, and Hamilton in jesting earnest, replied: “ Prate 
not of dust to an old comrade in arms; come to my arms, hero of 
Saratoga,” and folded him in an embrace no less hearty for being 
laughingly given. 

“ Tell me a word of Arnold before you take me to his Excel- 
lency,” said Phil, calming down a little. 

Oh, poor Arnold ! ” cried Hamilton. He’s had, indeed 
he is still having the very mischief of a time with Congress. You 
know Howe has evacuated Philadelphia ? ” 

Yes, and Arnold is commanding there,” replied Phil. 

“ Precisely, and he’s in the very teeth of his enemies,” said 
Hamilton. “ Already stories of his extravagance are coming in, 
and he there but a month ! Poor Arnold ; Pm sorry for 
him, and fear his ' hot temper, hut his Excellency stands his 
friend, and that’s no trifle. Come now to Washington.” 

“Pm not fit to go to headquarters; let me get the dust off 
first,” said Phil glancing at his hoots, too thickly gray with dust 
to be affected by the flicking of his whip lash which he gave them. 

“Nonsense; a camp is not a court,” retorted Hamilton. 
“ Besides when the messenger came to tell me of your arrival his 
Excellency hade me bring you without delay. Davy, you won’t 
mind waiting ? ” 

“Not I,” said David quietly. “That’s my part in life.” 

Hamilton’s blue eyes flashed; he could sympathize with noth- 
ing more thoroughly than with a strong spirit thwarted. “ Not 


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yours/^ he said holding out his hand for a brief farewell. ^‘1 
prophesy no little loss, like that of a leg, can make David Bea- 
ton inactive.’^ Then laying an arm affectionately over Phihs 
shoulders, he led him to headquarters. 

As the two young men entered, Washington was busy with 
dispatches, from which he did not raise his eyes. The strong, 
grave face of the general had aged since Phil had last seen it; 
Valley Forge, and the troubles gathered thick around him, the 
insolent disobedience of Lee, the base treachery of Gates had left 
their mark, yet it was still the face of one who could conquer 
every foe, even his own passions. Phil loved Arnold with all his 
heart, and gloried in his daring courage, hut coming thus again 
into the presence of Washington after two years^ absence, he felt, 
with a great leap of the heart, that there sat the leader, the 
chief indeed, of the army and every man in it. 

At last Washington pushed aside the papers, and passed his 
hand over his face as if to obliterate all trace of weariness. 
Then he raised his head, and bowed, with his grave smile kindly 
to Phil. Welcome, Philip Martin,” he^said. ^^It hath grieved 
me to hear that you have been so severely wounded. I trust you 
are quite recovered ? ” 

Quite, your Excellency, except for a trace of weakness,” 
said Phil, coming forward to take the hand Washington extended. 

I have come to report, and ask your Excellency to give me 
employment.” 

Yes; I have thought of attaching you to General Gates’ com- 
mand,” said AYashington. 

To save his life Phil could not repress a gesture of aversion 
which Washington feigned not to see, but continued with the 


BACK TO SERVICE. 


149 


ghost of a smile on his lips: However, I have decided other- 

wise. Aie you ready for service immediately ? 

This moment, your Excellency,” replied Phil. 

That is well; to-morrow morning you will take certain papers 
which I desire to send to Count d’Estaing, and make your way 
with them to the French fleet at Sandy Hook,” said the general. 
‘^^Tis a matter of importance, and of considerable danger. If 
you fall into the bands of the British I fear your fate will be that 
ghastly prison ship where so many of our brave men have suffered 
worse than a thousand deaths, ending in death at last. My 
messenger must be discreet, trustworthy, and such as I know you 
to he. Loyal, too, to your superiors,” he added with a note of 
sadness, remembering how many failed him in that regard. 

Phil flushed with delight. “ I will gladly undertake the task, 
your Excellency. It is a privilege to be chosen for a post of 
danger and trust.” 

I hope, my brave hoy, you will not find the privilege a 
questionable one,” said Washington gently. If you are cap- 
tured, or see you must be taken, destroy the papers, which, though 
in cipher, must not come into the enemy’s possession. Mr. 
Hamilton will bring your instructions and the papers to you to- 
night; you will start by dawn. When you return a colonel’s 
commission shall be ready for you, for though you are young, 
you have had more experience than many of our men. Be pru- 
dent, sir, and God bless you.” So saying, he dismissed Phil with 
a courtly how, and Hamilton escorted him to the door. 

You’re a lucky fellow, Phil, to he chosen for this matter, 
though ’tis indeed a dangerous one,” he whispered. The 
general loves youngsters, and I have always seen you were a 
favorite. I’ll join you to-night. Good-bye till then.” 


CHAPTEE XIV. 


A LONG BIDE AND A CAPTURE. 

Alexander Hamilton brought Phil his instructions, and the 
papers he was to convey to Count d’Estaing early in the evening. 
He lingered for a brief half-hour, in which he betrayed such 
anxiety for his friend’s safety, that Phil saw the danger he 
was going into was greater than he had realized, although Wash- 
ington, whose words were ever carefully considered, had warned 
him that he ran a risk in undertaking the enterprise. At last 
Hamilton bade him an affectionate good night, and God speed, 
and left him to snatch a little rest before his early setting forth. 

David shared his tent; he had scarcely spoken throughout 
Hamilton’s visit, and still remained silent while Phil opened his 
instructions, and set himself to mastering their contents. At 
last he folded the paper, closely written over in Hamilton’s rapid, 
loosely connected writing, placed it safely in his pocket, and 
took up the packet sealed in oiled paper which he was to deliver 
to the French commander. He turned this over, hesitating as 
to the best disposition to make of it. The accepted way of carry- 
ing important papers seemed to be in the boots, but Phil reasoned 
that if he arrived safely on the French ship, such hiding-place 
were unnecessary, while, on the other hand, were he overtaken by 
the enemy suddenly, and with no chance of escape, carrying the 

150 


A LONG RTDE AND A CAPTURE. 


151 


papers in his boots would decidedly lessen his chance of destroy- 
ing them. IsTo; he would keep them at hand, and he laid them in 
his bosom, making them secure by slipping an end of the tape 
binding them together through the button hole of his shirt where 
he could free it instantly. 

David watched his movements without speaking, and Phil 
turned to him with a laugh, and a yawn. Now, Davy,’^ he said, 
it’s all very well for you to sit up late, who are to remain behind 
in ease and safety, but for me, who have to beard the British lion 
— ^not in his den, either; I only wish he were ! — early in the morn- 
ing, sleep is necessary.” 

David did not smile; he looked at Phil with the steady gaze 
that Phil called "his church spire look,” it was so calm and 
uplifted, and said: " Listen to me, Phil; I have a plan.” 

" Is it a long plan, or a short one ? ” laughed Phil, looking 
at his watch. " Keally, Dave, Pm mortally sleepy.” 

" It won’t take long to explain,” replied David. " It’s not a 
jest, Phil. You say I’m to stay behind in ease and safety. 
So I do stay behind, but only to wait your return. If you , don’t 
come back. I’m going after you.” 

Phil made an energetic exclamation of dissent, but David held 
up his hand. " Wait,” he said. " Please hear me out patiently. 
You will come back in less than a week unless you are captured. 
We know without being told that there is great danger of this 
happening, and there was no mistaking (Mr. Hamilton’s anxiety 
for you. Now, if you are captured what \^ill be done with you' ? ” 

" His Excellency seemed to think I should be accommodated 
with quarters on that accursed prison ship, in \yhich our poor 
fellows are starved in filth and disease till they are exchanged, 


152 


A LONG RIDE AND A CAPTURE, 


or the good Lord mercifully lets them exchange permanently 
into a better world, and I suppose that would be my fate,^' 
answered Phil. 

So do 1 ’^ assented David, and from that awful hole you 
would never escape alive; you are too weak still from the fever of 
your wound, to live till you were exchanged.’^ 

Encouraging ! remarked Phil dryly. Look here, Dave, 
I’m going on Washington’s commission; are you trying to scare 
me?” 

No, of course not, but I want you to look at things as I do,” 
said David. I’ll wait here one week, and then if you don’t 
come back I’ll follow you down the Jersey coast till I get near the 
prison ship — ” 

The Lord forbid ! ” interrupted Phil fervently. Davy, 
you’re mad ! Don’t you know it is impossible to get near that 
ship ? Don’t you know not a human being could help me if I 
were on her ? For the love of heaven, don’t make it worse for 
me by worrying me as to your safety if I am in that pestilent 
hole ! ” 

Now, keep cool, Phil, and listen ! ” cried Davy. I never 
meant to go near her, and I know as well as you do I couldn’t 
help you while you were on board — that is, not directly. But 
my plan is to live in the Jersey village nearest to her anchorage, 
and every day go out fishing in a rowboat. I’m a cripple now, 
you see, and no one would mind much what a crippled fisher boy 
did. I’ll get out as near the ship as I can, and I’ll take my violin. 
If I can get near enough to sell fish all the better; of course it’s all 
to be tried. I’ll play every day, and you will hear me, that is if 
I succeed as I hope I shall. You will begin to be very ill, and 


A LONG RIDE AND A CAPTURE. 


153 


weak — you must pretend you’re very bad, and I only hope it will 
be pretending. After a while, I can’t tell how long, you know, 
but when I am ready. I’ll play ^ Over the Hills and Far Away,’ 
and I’ll never play it before that day, but then I’ll play it over 
and over to make sure you hear it. The next morning you 
must be dead, and let them throw you over with the other dead 
men. I’ll have a rope over the stern of my boat, and you swim 
to me under water, catch the rope, and I’ll row you ashore. If 
I find any patriot I can trust to help me, so much the better; if 
not we’ll manage alone.” 

Phil had listened to this wild plan in dumb amazement, 
touched by David’s devotion, yet seeing its many possibilities of 
failure. As Davy ceased speaking he rose, and going over took 
the lad’s hands in both of his. 

Dave, you are a fine fellow,” he cried. I don’t see how 
such a stout heart got into such a slender body. But, dear friend, 
your plan is utter madness. How could you be sure I could play 
my part ? How could I feign dead ? And if I did fool the 
surgeon, they might sew me up in leaded canvas before they threw 
me over, and then how about swimming ? Or if they did not 
do that, suppose I actually did have fever, and was too weak to 
swim ? Or suppose a thousand things ! Ho, no, David. You 
are the best boy in the world to want to do all this for me, 
but it w'ould never do. The best thing for me is not to 
be captured, and I’ll do my utmost t^o get safely to Count 
d’Estaing.” 

That’s all right,” retorted David doggedly. I don’t be- 
lieve the surgeon is very particular in his examination of the 
dead men, and I don’t believe they stop to sew them up. I tell 


154 


A LONG RIDE AND A CAPTURE. 


you I know there are plenty of chances of failure, but I tell you 
too it^s worth trying, and I believe there^s no other way of saving 
you. Fail or not, if you don’t come back I’m going to try it, 
and I am sure if you get in that horrible pit of despair you’ll he 
glad to feel there is even a slender chance of escape, without 
waiting for exchange. There’s no danger to me, so why shouldn’t 
I try it ? I will, no matter what you say. So remember. Every 
day you will hear me play, and when I play ^ Over the Hills 
and Far Away,’ that night after hearing it you die and 
are cast overboard with the dead in the morning. Then swim 
under water for my boat, and keep up heart. Don’t say a word,” 
he added as Phil was about to speak again. Ho matter what you 
say, I will do it, I tell you. It can’t hurt me, or if it could, what 
good am I, a cripple ? and at my best I’d willingly, gladly die for 
you and Cicely. I’ll be there, Phil.” 

Phil took the hand he held out in both of his. Good night; 
God bless you, Davy,” was all he said. 

Early as the sun rises in July Phil was up before him. Davy, 
who had, kept himself awake throughout the night, to be sure of 
seeing Phil off, had fallen asleep just as the east was beginning 
to redden, and was so heavy from watching that he did not waken 
as Phil moved about their tent. Phil went over to take a silent 
farewell of him as he slept. His face looked very delicate from 
the recent suffering of the loss of his leg, and remembering that 
he was alone in the world except for his own and Cicely’s friend- 
ship, and recalling the last words he had spoken before he slept, 
a rush of almost womanly tenderness and pity swept over Phil. 
There being no one there to see, he bent down, lightly kissed 
David’s forehead, and was gone. 


A LONG RIDE AND A CAPTURE. 155 

Following his instructions Phil made his way directly to the 
Hudson, and crossed to Jersey. Here he found a horse awaiting 
him, the first of a series of relays provided by the general all the 
way down to the point we now know as Atlantic Highlands. 
Phil rode all day, scarcely stopping to rest. The fresh horses 
which he mounted at points averaging four hours apart enabled 
him to ride fast without wearing out his beasts, and himself he 
did not spare. Although the British were fearing an attank on 
their fleet in Hew York harbor, the French fleet was really about 
to sail for Hewport, and the best speed Phil could accomplish 
would not be too much to insure delivering his dispatches to the 
Count d’Estaing. 

At near midnight he allowed himself his first rest, which he 
took out of doors, wrapped in his cloak, his head pillowed on a 
fallen tree. By three he was up and off again, and at last the 
long journey was over; he sprang from his sweating horse, tied 
him to a tree, eased him of his saddle, slipped the bag of oats 
v/hich he had carried on the saddle bow over the long brown nose 
with a hasty pat of commendation, and, less merciful to himself 
than to his horse, set about signalling his arrival to the French 
fleet without loss of time. Although it was broad daylight the 
signal he had been ordered to give was a bonfire on the headland, 
it being deemed unwise to risk rowing out unheralded, or to fire, 
though the French fleet did lie between that point of Jersey and 
the English in Hew York harbor. ^ 

Phil piled up the dry branches and driftwood which lay about 
in abundance, and when the heap came well up to his own waist; 
struck a light with his tinder box, and fired it. The wood was 
thoroughly dried by the July sun, and coated with sea salt. Pt 


156 


A LONG RIDE AND A CAPTURE. 


kindled at once, and the flames leaped high in an instant. 
Straightening himself from bending over to start the brushwood 
at the base of his pile, Phil turned and saw four men approaching 
him, who, the instant he raised his head covered him with their 
muskets, and called to him to surrender himself their prisoner. 
They were still twelve rods distant from him, and realizing that 
by some unexplained means the British had managed to inter- 
cept him, and that he must prevent them getting hold of the 
dispatches he bore, Phiks resolution was quickly taken. He had 
provided himself with a small phial of oil, and he now took it 
with the papers from his pocket, although the instant he raised 
his arms a shot was fired from the advancing party. He did not 
heed it. Hastily breaking the tape that bound the dispatches, 
he poured the oil over the paper, and threw it on the fire. A 
bullet whistled by his ear; he did not look around. The blaze 
caught the oil hungrily; he recognized Lafayette’s writing, and 
that the dispatch was written in French. The suction of the 
flames twisted the paper; he saw the plain long signature George 
Washington,” and a shot passed through the brim of his hat, 
while a voice rang out savagely in a vigorous curse, bidding him 
drop that, and surrender.” 

"I am at your service, gentlemen,” said Phil rising, with a 
gleam of mischievous triumph on his face, as he removed his 
wounded hat. What can I do for you ? ” 

Do for you ? We’ll do for you, you impudent young 
scoundrel,” roared the enraged leader of the little band. What 
is your business here ? ” 

“You will pardon my apparent discourtesy, I trust, attrib- 
uting it solely to the troublous times in which we meet, if I ask 


PHIL FALLS INTO THE HANDS OF THE ENEMY. 157 


yon what business that is of yours ? said Phil with elaborate 
politeness. 

You’re a rebel; you wear the blue and huff of the Continen- 
tal army,” growled his captor. 

And you, I gather, are British soldiers ? ” suggested Phil. 

Yet I hardly see how you came here if this he so.” 

The man grinned. You Yankees are not so clever as you 
fancy,” he said. 

^^Nay, rather you may he less dull than we have generally 
found you,” said Phil, with an air of saying something agreeable. 

Curse your impudent tongue,” cried the British soldier, 
reddening. We have felt sure your precious Washington com- 
municated with his frog-eating allies from here, and we made up 
our minds to stop it, so we came down the coast by land, without 
our uniforms, and lay low, and so we surprised you. Don’t deny 
you’re in the service of the arch rebel ! ” 

Deny, my dear sir ! ” cried Phil. Would you deny a 
patent of nobility if your royal master conferred one on you ? It 
is my proudest boast that I serve my country under General 
George Washington.” 

You’ll have mighty little chance to boast for many a day, 
young fellow, and for all I know you’ll have to boast of it to the 
devil, for it’s not unlikely they’ll hang you in New York. Here, 
hind his hands, men, and search him. If you stir a finger you’re 
a dead man,” said the leader. 

There was nothing but folly in the thought of resistance, and 
Phil quietly submitted to a thorough search of his person. They 
found the instructions for his journey which Hamilton had so 
carefully written out, but the flames had done their work, and 


158 PHIL FALLS INTO THE HANDS OF THE ENEMY. 

not a scrap of the dispatches remained to betray Washington’s 
plans. 

What did yon burn when we hailed yon ? ” demanded his 
captor. 

Do yon know yonr greatest poet ? ” asked Phil politely. 
'^Like Hamlet when asked what he was reading I can only 
answer: ^ Words, words, words,’ bnt I give yon my word of honor 
I know no more than that.” As he spoke he conld not help 
glancing toward Sandy Hook, wondering if his bonfire had been 
seen by the French fieet, and if it were possible he conld he 
rescned. The English captain saw the glance, and he read his 
thonght. 

This fellow has been signalling to the Frenchmen,” he said, 
if we dally here we may he overtaken by a force too strong for 
ns. Here, gag the bantam or he may cackle as we go along; we 
are among his friends, not onrs, remember.” 

The fonr men seized Phil ronghly, threw him down, and 
tied his arms behind him. As they were ahont to gag him 
he said: I have not eaten for twenty-fonr honrs, except 

hasty snatches as I rode, and I am only jnst recovered from a 
wonnd. If yon he men yon will allow me time to take the food 
I have in my knapsack.” 

Hot here; the risk is to great. Yonr friends, the frog-eaters, 
might rescne yon. Bnt yon shall have a chance to eat when I 
dare give it, that I promise yon,” said the captor, less nnkindly 
than he had spoken heretofore. We will gag yon, lest yon give 
the alarm as we ride, and yon will monnt yonr horse, and come 
with ns to where we have left onr horses. We shall not travel by 
the main road.” 


PHIL FALLS INTO THE HANDS OF THE ENEMY. 159 


And where are you taking me, and what do you think will 
be my fate ? ” asked Phil. 

Back to Xew York. You may be hung, but then again you 
may be sent to the prison ship, and if you are youdl bless the 
man who takes you out and hangs you,” replied his captor, as one 
of his men pried Phil’s mouth open, and slipped a gag between 
his teeth. Get up, and mount, and ride quietly while we lead.” 

Phil obeyed. One of the men took up his position on each 
side of his horse, the third fell behind, while the captain led the 
animal by the bridle. As they began their progress inland Phil 
strained his eyes across the water, and fancied he saw a boat 
putting off from one of the French men-of-war, in response to the 
signal of the bonfire, now smouldering out, futile as was his long 
and weary journey. 


CHAPTER XV. 


A EESCUE. 

The progress of Phil and his captors to New York was slow 
and tedious. They avoided the roads, crawling through the woods 
and by-paths, with long halts by day, and difficult proceeding by 
night, consuming so much time that it was well into the third day 
before they arrived. The heat was intense, and Phil was well 
nigh exhausted when he came once more into the old town of his 
birth, now swarming with the red coats of the British army, in 
which he felt more than a stranger and an alien. General Howe 
had resigned, and sailed for home to explain^ if he could, to an 
impatient ministry, the reason of his impotence and delays. 

Phil wondered what had become of Dick, and hoped for his 
intervention in his behalf, but no inquiries elicited any informa- 
tion of Captain Watts’ whereabouts, and hope of relief through 
Dick faded as days went by with no tidings of him. Poor Phil 
looked down Wall Street a§ he was conducted up the Broad Way; 
he saw the Presbyterian meeting-house gazing unmoved on the 
new condition of things; the trees still peacefully shaded the 
Dutch stoops from the July sun as they had done when in his 
boyhood he had come in tired and warm from school, and dropped 
gratefully down on the settle on the stoop of his own home. At 
that moment his old nurse might be resting on that same settle, 

160 


A RESCUE. 


161 


quite unconscious that her darling boy was passing so near on his 
way to imprisonment. He seemed to have no friend in the city 
of his birth, and was cast into the gloomy jail of the former 
sugar house, where so many brave fellows had suffered, and died 
from their sufferings. 

Here Phil lay for six weary months. Bad air, worse food, 
vermin and filth did their work on his already weakened frame; 
no tidings of the outside world reached him, unless it were a dis- 
torted and exaggerated account of some misfortune to the Ameri- 
can cause. Cicely, he knew, was safe in the kind hands of the Schuy- 
lers, whom he blessed in his misery for protecting her, but David ! 
The remembrance of his last conversation with him haunted Phil; 
he felt sure that the faithful boy would long ago have carried 
out his promise to try to find him, and the vision of poor crippled 
Davy endangering himself by venturing near the prison ship 
where he would conclude Phil was confined, haunted his waking 
thoughts, and made him start up half delirious from his feverish 
sleep on the vile floor, with cries that frightened away the rats, 
and made his wretched companions curse him for disturbing their 
only forgetfulness of their desperate suffering. 

At last late in January, Phil was summoned from among the 
abject creatures who had once been brave soldiers, and crawled 
feebly after his jailer into the pure air, and blessed bright winter 
sunshine. To look upon the face of the sun once more, to stand 
erect under the pure sky was ecstasy ^beyond the power of words 
to describe, but the bliss was short-lived. Phil was to be trans- 
ferred to the prison ship in the North Eiver, called by an irony 
of nomenclature the Good Hope. All hope he had died within 
him at the tidings, and weak and ill as he was he would 


162 


A RESCUE. 


gladly have hailed the summons to die instead of going on her, 
as his captors had told him he would do on that day, which seemed 
so long ago, when he had fallen into their hands. 

Once more he looked down the streets of the town as he was 
marched over to the river. The enemy still occupied it. Would 
it ever he free from the scarlet spots against the solid Dutch 
houses ? Well, never mind; he, Phil Martin, at least would never 
see it if it were to come to pass; his limbs could scarce support him 
on the short march to the shore. He passed houses from whose 
windows he had been wont to see gay faces nodding and smiling 
to him, now closed tight, or confiscated for barracks, their owners 
scattered, the women gone into safet}'', the men fighting for free- 
dom. How dared the other States hint that New York was not 
loyally suffering for the right ? ” thought Phil, realizing how 
sharp the contrast between the present and the past, how great 
the sacrifice his dear old town ha^ made. 

Phil’s guards put him in a long dory of four oars, and seated 
themselves behind him, pistols cocked in case he should attempt 
to escape. But Phil had no heart nor strength for such attempt. 
He lay languidly in the bow, the cool wind blowing against his 
face, grateful for those brief moments of refreshment. 

Suddenly a sound struck his ear, faint and sweet, and if the 
heavens had opened, and the angels sung to him it could scarce 
have sounded lovelier to him. It was the distant tones of a 
violin, and it wmke a hope in his heart that he was not forgotten, 
that one friend was faithful, and striving to help him. 

" What’s that ? ” he asked involuntarily, though he could 
have bitten his tongue out for having spoken. However, it did 
no harm. 


A RESCUE. 


163 


One of the guards answered civilly: It is a crippled fisher 
boy from over Jersey way somewhere, who plays the fiddle very 
prettily. He comes out as close to the ship as he is allowed, and 
the men like to hear him. Very like youfil hear him when you’re 
on board too. He’s thought to be half-witted, and he’s lost a leg, 
but he’s a harmless innocent.” 

Phil lay back in utter content; he was too weak and ill to do 
more than rest in the thought that Davy was near him. 

The Good Hope proved a pleasant surprise. Unlike the 
Jersey y which followed her, life on the Good Hope was far more 
endurable than in the converted prison of the sugar house in 
town. Her commander. Captain Nelson, was not lost to all sense 
of humanity, but treated his prisoners like human beings. The 
food was not abundant, but the captain saw that it was decent; 
and that the prisoners’ quarters were kept clean. Under these 
improved circumstances Phil gained strength, and he saw that 
if the hour ever came when he should hear Davy’s signal he 
would not be able to get himself thrown overboard as dead, for he 
looked less like death with each day that passed. And every day 
he heard Davy’s violin, sometimes faint, sometimes so loud and 
clear that he knew he was near at hand, and once, when he was on 
deck he saw him, and a wild desire came over him to throw him- 
self into the river, and swim for his life to the faithful lad, to 
whom his heart went out with a sob of love and longing. But 
he controlled himself, and set his wiis to work to devise a scheme 
by which he could get away when Davy played: Over the Hills 
and Far Away.” 

Fortune favored him; Captain Nelson took a fancy to Phil, 
and pitied the boy to whom the fortunes of war had been so 


164 


A RESCUE, 


unkind, and whom confinement, illness and hunger had made 
look very youthful and delicate. 

One day the captain came down into the prisoners’ quarters 
and paused by Phil, w^ho was lying on the floor in a fit of utter 
despondency. 

Martin,” he said kindly, what’s the matter; are you ill ? ” 

Heartsick, I guess, sir,” said Phil, looking up with what he 
meant for a smile. 

“ You’ve been ill, haven’t you ? ” persisted the captain. 

I was walking beside General Arnold’s litter from the field 
at Saratoga, when a bullet nearly ended me, sir,” answered Phil. 

I was nursed back to health in General Schuyler’s house, chiefly 
through General Burgoyne’s kindness in getting a pass for my 
sister to come through the lines from New York to take care of 
me. I spent from the first of August till I came here in the 
sugar house prison in town; you know, sir, it is not precisely a 
health resort. I have been feverish and weak from bad air.” 

The captain nodded, but only said: So you know General 
Burgoyne ? ” 

Very well, through having stayed under good General Schuy- 
ler’s roof with him. He’s a brave soldier,” said Phil. 

He is all of that,” answered Captain Nelson warmly. My 
brother served under him, and loved him. See here, young man. 
I like your face. If I allow you to come on deck every day, and 
get the fresh air you need, will you give me your word of honor 
not to abuse that favor ? ” 

Phil looked up gratefully, and said with his frank laugh: I 
don’t know what abuse you mean, sir. I promise to do nothing to 
injure the ship, nor commit suicide, nor leap overboard to try 


A RESCUE. 


165 


to swim for shore, hut if any of my friends come up, and invite 
me to freedom on their craft I can’t promise to refuse the invi- 
tation.” 

The captain smiled. I would not exact such a promise,” he 
said. Come with me now; the promises you have given cover 
all possible cases.” 

Phil gladly arose to obey. His heart heat with new hope and 
courage — was it possible the means of escape were to he put in 
his hands without any further scheming on his part ? 

After this every day Phil was allowed to go on deck. At first he 
was closely watched and guarded, hut as days and weeks slipped 
by, and he was always quiet, obedient, and apparently resigned to 
his fate in the hope of being ultimately exchanged, the surveil- 
lance over him was relaxed, and he often spent an hour with no 
one within thirty feet of him. And every day, at just the same 
hour, David’s violin sang to him over the water messages of hope, 
hut never yet had he heard Over the Hills and Far Away.” 

Captain Nelson grew so fond of him that Phil’s heart half 
misgave him for his intention to slip through that good man’s 
fingers, though he knew no one could blame him for seeking free- 
dom through any honorable means. Phil had learned through 
the captain that Dick was transferred to the service of Sir Henry 
Clinton, Howe’s successor, hut was not able to communicate with 
him, nor encouraged to hope for succor at his hands. 

And so the weeks slipped by, th^ winds of March had blown 
away the last hits of ice in the river, and the hanks were passing 
from the pale greens and browns of April into the luxuriant fresh- 
ness of late May. A year had almost passed since Phil had parted 
from Cicely and his kind friends; he found himself getting beyond 


166 


A RESCUE, 


the limits of his own patience. Would Davy never play anything 
hut those favorite Scotch songs of his, would the tune his ears 
fairly thirsted for never float over the water ? Over the Hills and 
Far Away ! Phil looked at the palisades shutting in the great 
river, and shutting out the world where the flght for freedom 
must still be waging, and the blood surged in his ears, his heart 
beat so fast in his wild desire to be over those hills and far away. 

Still David came every day, sometimes very near the ship, 
sometimes farther, and played sweet songs, but not the signal 
that he was ready, and Phil fought hard to keep out of sight the 
madness of impatience consuming him. 

At last there came a day, a warm, still day, early in the June 
of 1779. Phil lay on deck, his hat tipped over his eyes to shade 
them from the sun, and one of his guards sat close to him. A 
hymn came floating over the water, drawing nearer; it was Davy, 
and he was not alone, for some one was rowing while he played. 
The last note died away; there was silence, and then clear and 
distinct came Over the Hills and Far Away.^’ For the life of 
him Phil could not prevent the sudden leap he gave. 

The guard started to his feet. WhaPs the matter ? he 
asked, subsiding as he saw Phil lay quiet. 

I was dreaming,’’ muttered Phil, truthfully, and speaking so 
thickly that the guard thought him asleep. 

^^Well, dream decently,” he growded, resuming his pipe. 

Phil lay and listened till the last echo had died away. He 
had waited for this so anxiously, the meaning was so clear, the 
summons so distinct that it seemed to him impossible that the 
entire ship’s crew would not seize him and put him in irons. But 
nothing was changed by the significant message coming to him; 


A RESCUE. 


167 


everything lay peaceful and serene under the warm June sun- 
shine. 

Hark ! Once again Over the Hills and Far Away.” 
Davy had said he would repeat it over and over. Again the last 
note sank into silence, and after perhaps half an hour, with other 
airs filling the interval, again David played his summons. 

When it was over Phil rose; it seemed to him that if he did 
not move he should scream, or tell the story of the meaning of 
what they had all heard unknowingly. He stretched, and 
yawned. Pd like to go below, please,” he said to the guard. I 
fear Pll get a headache in this hot sun.” 

The guard looked up, Why, man, your eyes are getting 
queer, and your face is red; you look as though you’d been drink- 
ing,” he said. 

Phil laughed. ^^You know how much chance there is of 
that,” he replied. But I must say I do feel strange. I’d like 
to get down below.” 

How the hours passed between hearing the signal and the 
time for acting upon it Phil never knew. Hot in sleeping, even 
during the night, and not in waking either. His pulse heat high, 
his veins were on fire, and strained anxiety and excitement pre- 
vented coherent thought. Danger lay before him, danger not 
only to him, hut to David; in a few hours he should he free — or 
dead. \ 

The morning dawned, and found Phil waking. He rose from 
his sleepless night, and dressed himself as usual. There were no 
preparations to he made, he could only go as he was, clad in the 
ragged garments he had worn since his capture. At the custom- 
ary hour he went up on deck. For a while his guard stayed near 


168 


A RESCUE, 


him, and Phil watched his every motion, wondering if a cmel 
fate would keep him by his side this one morning when he was 
so often left practically alone. Or could they suspect ? The 
thought made his fingers clench with the sudden tightening around 
his heart. The poor boy felt that he was going mad, and a 
delirious longing to throttle his guard came over him. The man, 
all unconscious of the wild thoughts coursing through his quiet 
prisoner’s brain, walked away, and left him standing near the 
ship’s side, while he filled his pipe in the shade of the sail. As 
he did so the distant sound of the violin reached Phil’s ears, and 
with it his senses returned, his heart began to beat evenly, and in 
the necessity for action he became perfectly self-possessed. He 
walked over to the guard, who was now smoking in high content. 

I think I hear that crippled fisher boy,” Phil said. I wish 
he might come nearer to us. A little music would be pleasant. 
Come hear him.” 

Not I. Stand in that hot sun to listen to a fiddle ? No, 
I thank you,” returned the man. I wouldn’t mind him 
coming closer though, myself. He’s harmless enough to go any- 
where.” 

Oh, well; I suppose they have to be careful,” said Phil good- 
naturedly. Pd like to hear him closer, but I can hear him 
pretty well over there.” So saying he walked .back to his post, 
satisfied that his custodian was perfectly unsuspicious. 

In the meantime David had rowed down stream, and as far 
out towards the ship as he might go. He was not alone; a strong, 
grave looking boy of fifteen was with him, and now took his place 
at the oars, while David in the stern began preparations as if to 
fish. In a short time he dropped his lines, and took up his fiddle. 


A BBSGUE. 


169 


Phil, listening in strained expectancy heard: Over the Hills and 
Far Away/’ The hour had come. Turning to look at the guard, 
Phil saw that he was just where he had left him, half smoking, 
half dozing in sleepy content. “ God help me,” Phil thought, 
turning back to the rail, and filling his lungs with several deep 
breaths. He laid his hands together, and raised them high as if 
in prayer; indeed every pulse was a prayer at that moment. 
Quick as a flash he mounted the rail, and in an instant had dived 
wdth a long spring into the river. 

A dozen voices cried: Man overboard,” the too-trusting 

guard leaped to his feet, and the Good Hope, who had already 
lost some of the prisoners confided to her in the previous autumn, 
was all excitement. Men stood with loaded pistols ready to fire 
when Phil should reappear, but for what seemed an endless time 
of waiting he did not reappear. At last they spied his head, well 
out in the stream, and a shot rattled over it. Again he dove, and 
at last the Good Hope began to suspect the innocent fishing-boat 
in mid-river. They signalled her to come up, but though her 
little crew of two signalled wildly in return, they appeared utterly 
incapable of understanding the ship’s meaning. 

At last the mate, watching through his glass, saw the oarsman 
dip over the stem, and both pulled hard on a rope hanging over 
it. 

He’s gone to them,” said the mate with an oath. Fire 
when I say ready.” ) 

Phil had reached the rowboat in safety, and caught the rope 
Davy had hung over the stern, according to his promise. His 
friends pulled him up, and he seized the gunwale, and was about 
climbing over when a shot flew across the little boat’s bow, and 


170 


A RESCUE. 


Phil half fainted from excitement, cold and exhaustion, for eleven 
months of imprisonment had sapped his strength. 

Pull him in,” cried David, white, hut self-possessed. They 
clutched PhiFs shoulders and tumbled him in. Now row,” 
cried Davy. Give me one oar. Keep your head down. Eow !” 

The boat shot out under the first pull, another stroke and yet 
another. She fairly leaped under the long swift strokes of the 
boys. Shot rained over them, but none had reached them, and 
Phil, recovering himself, half rose in the bottom of the boat. 

Davy, dear Davy, brave Dave,” he said. 

But David smiled, and nodded, breathless. Wedl hug each 
other later,” he panted. “ Keep still, Phil, now. Drop Si; lie 
low,” he added. The water rippled with a volley of shot, and the 
tender of the Good Hope suddenly appeared in rapid chase. 
Phil heard a gasp, and raised his head to see David grasp his side, 
his face white, and horror-stricken. 

Dave — Davy ! Qh, Dave, are you hurt ? ” he cried, starting 
up forgetful of danger. 

David smiled. “I’m killed, Phil. Get in the water, leave 
me. They can’t hurt — me — now. Don’t mind — I’m very glad. 
Tell — Cicely — I was — glad — He stopped speaking, the blood 
rushed from his lips over Phil’s hands supporting him. Davy 
was dead. 

Phil had forgotten everything in the anguish of the moment, 
but his unknown comrade had rowed for his life without stopping. 
The keel grated on shore as Davy’s head fell back, and the boy 
he had called Si grasped Phil by the shoulders. 

“ Don’t stop ! ” he cried hoarsely. “ They can’t hurt the 
dead. There are horses here. Pun.” 


A RESCXTE. 


m 


He pushed Phil before him towards a thicket; he was too dazed 
to resist, and flung 'himself on one of the two horses waiting them, 
as his comrade mounted the other. Now ride ! Eide ! shouted 
the hoy, leaning forward in the saddle, and setting his spurs in 
his horse, which leaped forward under the prick. Phil followed. 

Wait ! I can’t leave David to them,” he cried. 

^^My father is there; he will take Dave’s body. Dave made 
me swear to save you. Eide; don’t talk ! ” Si called hack. 

Phil followed after this submissively. They rode like the 
wind, rode through the beautiful young foliage and soft June 
wind into safety and freedom. But Phil was only conscious of a 
dull pain. He was free, but Davy was dead. 


i 




CHAPTEE XVI. 


WEST POINT, AND AKNOLD. 

Fob three hours Phil and his guide rode at top speed, and at 
last turned into the driveway of a comfortable farmhouse, the 
approach to which was outlined by whitewashed rocks. Here 
they seemed to he expected; as the horses^ hoofs clattered up the 
drive a buxom woman, and three girls, one clad in mourning, 
appeared on the threshold. Si sprang from his horse, and caught 
Phil in his strong arms, for he reeled in his saddle, and would 
have fallen the instant his horse stood still. 

Poor hoy ! This is him, ain’t it ? ” cried the motherly 
woman, running down the steps to Si’s assistance, and putting 
her arm tenderly around Phil. 

Seems pretty near done out, and no wonder ! Didn’t have 
any trouble, did ye ? Dreadful glad you’re here safe and sound.” 

Better get him to bed. Aunt Phoebe,” said Si. I guess he 
can’t stand much more. Dave’s killed,” he added in a lower tone, 
as if to keep Phil from understanding. 

You don’t say ! ” cried the woman, with real grief in her 
voice. Poor, dear hoy ! I want to know ! Shot ? ” 

Si nodded. Shot in the boat; died right off. They fired 
considerable. Take him upstairs.” 

Supported on each side by Si and his hostess, Phil half walked, 
172 


WEST POINT, AND ARNOLD, 


173 


and was half carried np-stairs, and was soon made comfortable 
in an immense corded bedstead, piled with feather beds. He 
was benumbed with physical and mental pain, and the reaction 
from the tense excitement of the past twenty-four hours took 
from him the little strength he had. After he had rested for 
what seemed to him a long time, his hostess broug'ht him a bowl 
of beef tea, and a glass of her own home made wine. * 

Here, poor boy, set up, and take this,^’ she said. Here, 
let me lift you, and V\l feed you. I declare you’re near done 
out.” 

She slipped her strong arm under Phil’s head, and laid it on 
her shoulder, then gently administered a sip of wine, and a spoon- 
ful of beef tea. 

Where am I ? ” asked Phil, reyiving under this treatment. 

You’re right here at Aunt Phoebe’s all safe, and here you’re 
goin’ to stay,” returned that good soul. “ No more prison ships 
for you, I guess ! We are awful glad to have a chance to nurse 
ye up, for the young man my poor oldest girl — ^the one you seen 
in black — was to marry, died on the old prison ship.” 

Davy ! ” gasped Phil, remembrance of all that had happened 
coming back to him. 

How don’t you think about Davy. We loved him ’most 
like one of our own boys, but he’s happy, and I don’t know but 
it’s better as ’tis, he bein’ crippled, and so ambitious,” said kind 
Aunt Phoebe. Anyway the Lord’s done what He pleased with 
Davy; now if you want to do what Davy’d like, you stop frettin’ 
about him, and do your best towards gettin’ well. Pm goin’ to 
send Si up. Si’s my own nephew, though Pm aunt to everybody 
’round here, and he’ll tell you all you want to hear, though I don’t 


174 


WEST POINT, AND ARNOLD, 


want you should tire yourself. He can stay just fifteen minutes, 
and then you go to sleep again.’^ 

She laid Phil back, gently rearranged his pillows, gathered 
up the bowl and glass, and was gone. 

Silas entered the room in a few moments after his aunt had 
left it. He sat down awkwardly on the edge of a chair by the 
bed, and said: ^^Aunt Phoebe wanted I should tell you about 
how I come to help Dave Beaton, and who we are; she said may be 
you’d be wonderin’ and would rest easier for knowin’. You see 
Dave he come over our way near a year ago, and when he found 
we was good patriots he got to talkin’ to us. .My brother was 
killed at Long Island fight, same’s his father, and my cousin’s 
beau was on the prison ship and died there. So we got kinder 
friendly, and Dave told us about you, and what he meant to do. 
I said I didn’t care if I helped him some, and we got Aunt Phoebe 
here into the plan, and my father, he agreed to be ’round shore the 
day we brought you off, in case he was needed. So, last night 
me and Dave had a talk. I don’t know, but I guess he felt’s if 
he wouldn’t get out safe, and he told me to see your sister got his 
violin in case anything happened to him. So father he stayed 
around this mornin’ when we went out. And when we rode off 
this momin’ the Britishers didn’t waste time on Dave, you can be 
sure of that; they chased us, and after they’d gone my fathePd 
come along, and take care of Dave’s body, and bury him in our 
plot, and put away his fiddle for your sister when you can send 
for it. My name’s Silas Voorhees, and my father’s name is Peter. 
I never see anybody set so much by any one as Dave did by you 
and your sister. I’m ’most sure he had a kinder warnin’ he’d get 
shot, for he said some things that I’ll tell you by’m by. He 


WEST POINT, AND ARNOLD. 


175 


wrote a letter for you to have in case — 0 Lord; I guess Fll be 
goin’ down now. Aunt Phoebe said you wasn’t to be excited. I 
thought maybe you didn’t understand this mornin’ how much 
store we set by Dave, but he made me swear I’d get you through, 
no matter what, and there wasn’t time to stand ’round. We’re 
awful glad to have you here, and Aunt Phoebe says she’ll just be 
more’n delighted every day you stop. So you rest, and get 
strong, same’s Dave wanted you to. We’d any of us do anything 
for Dave — oh, you’d better go to sleep now.” And the honest 
boy drew his sleeve over his eyes, and beat a hasty retreat to cover 
the emotion he could not control. 

Phil lay still, too weak to feel more than a dull sense of sor- 
row. He could hardly realize then that David had given for him 
the life he had saved on the field of battle. All he knew was that 
he was worn out, unable to move, unable to think. The fiy 
buzzing against the painted window shade Aunt Phoebe had drawn 
was as far as his thoughts could travel. 

For several weeks Phil was very ill; his wound broke out again, 
and when that was healed, and the fever accompanying it cured, 
he suffered from a complete prostration of nerves, and it was 
September before he was able to go down-stairs, and look out on 
the broad acres of Aunt Phoebe’s farm. Nothing could exceed 
the motherly devotion of that good soul; she lavished on him the 
affection she would haive given her own son, had she had one. 
Sue, the eldest daughter, in deep mourning for the young pa- 
triot who, less fortunate than Phil, had died on the prison ship 
which had preceded the Good Hope, was not less kind than her 
mother, and Jennie, the younger, tried to enliven him, and suc- 
ceeded, for no one could help smiling when her roguish, freckled 


176 


WEST POINT, AND ARNOLD. 


face laughed at him. But the fourth inmate of the farmhouse, 
the other girl whom he had seen on the steps on his arrival, 
proved the greatest consolation. She was Mary Stafford, the or- 
phan child of an American patriot who had died the preceding 
summer on the field of Monmouth; a gentle sweet-voiced girl, 
with eyes like Davy’s, and such thoughtful tact that she did more 
than any one, even Cicely, could have done, to help Phil through 
the hard days when he was well enough to realize the sacrifice 
David had made for him, and not strong enough to bear the 
knowledge. Mary was different from the rough, though kindly 
people who protected both her and Phil, and she read to him from 
her best beloved poets, and whiled away the long days of con- 
valescence, turning them into almost happy days, though happy 
with the pensive resignation of her own recent sorrow as well as 
Phil’s, in perfect accord with the season and the brooding quiet 
of near October. 

By November it was decided that Phil was able to return to 
duty, but before he went he was to drive back to Silas’ home, bid 
that trusty youth, to whom he owed his life, good-bye, visit 
Davy’s quiet resting-place, and bring back the violin which had 
been the dear lad’s chief treasure, and the instrument of Phil’s 
liberation. 

Phil had asked Sue and Jennie and Mary to go with him, 
but Aunt Phoebe with unexpected penetration had whispered her 
girls to refuse. Mary’s more his kind — likes pretty much the 
same things,” she said; trust a true American country-woman 
not to admit superiority in any one ! And Pve got a notion 
he’d ruther take Mary alone anyhow.” 

So Mary and Phil drove away to say good-bye again to brave 


WEST POINT, AND ARNOLD. 


177 


David. They came back very quiet, and grave, but life and action 
lay before Phil; he was beginning to see that Davy's maimed life 
was blessed in its ending, and at twenty-one grief must lose some- 
thing of its keenness as time passes. 

Hope and confidence in the American cause were growing 
stronger every day; the British were shut up in Hew York, the 
only northern point they had been able to hold, and the American 
army was stretched around it like a cordon. The battle of Mon- 
mouth had shown, in spite of Lee’s treachery, what good Baron 
Steuben’s discipline had done for the soldiers, and Anthony 
Wayne’s, and “ Light Horse ” Harry’s daring adventures at Stony 
Point and Paulus Hook had done much to increase public con- 
fidence. So in parting Phil gave Davy’s violin into Mary’s hands, 
and said: I am afraid to take it with me, for I cannot tell where 
I shall be, and a camp is no place for treasures. Keep it for 
Cicely, Mary, and when the war is over, and we are back again 
in Hew York, bring it to her, and give Cicely the comfort of re- 
ceiving Davy’s violin from a friend that will console her for Davy’s 
loss, as she has me. Will you promise to come, Mary ? ” 

And Mary took the violin, and promised. 

The parting between Phil and the good people who had nursed 
him back to life was full of regret on both sides. Aunt Phoebe 
put her arms around him, and kissed him hard on both cheeks, 
while Jennie’s merry face was wet enough to wash away the 
freckles. He rode away with saddle bags bulging with fruit and 
crullers, and with blessings heaped on his head. But the last 
thing he saw as turned back from the corner by the big white- 
washed rock at the end of the driveway, was Mary smiling at 
him through a mist of tears. 


178 


WEST POINT, AND ARNOLD. 


At headquarters Phil was hailed almost like one come hack 
from the dead. Alexander Hamilton threw up his hat, and 
shouted with boyish delight. Pve kept Brown Bess, your mare, 
in prime condition for you all these weary months, but hang me, 
Phil, if ever I thought you’d bestride her again,” he cried. By 
all that’s good. Pm glad to see thee, man.” 

^^And as before, the first thing I want is direct news of 
Arnold,” said Phil. 

^^Well, there’s no good news of Arnold, Phil; he has had 
enough to try the patience of Job, and there are great differences 
between our choleric general, and that just man,” said Hamilton. 

You heard he had married a young wife ? ” 

Yes, I heard that, and rumors of his extravagance; no more,” 
said Phil. 

He hath married Mistress Margaret Shippen, fifteen years 
his junior and the daughter of a Tory gentleman of Philadel- 
phia,” said Hamilton. She is perfectly beautiful and charming, 
and, gossip hath it, has drawn our brave Arnold somewhat from 
the patriot cause.” 

Phil interrupted him with an impatient exclamation. 

Washington scorns to doubt him, and neither do I doubt 
him, yet between 'you and me, Philip, things look black for 
Arnold,” continued Hamilton. In his impatience of the great 
injustice done him by Congress he hath rushed into defiant mad- 
ness. He entertains Tory ladies at his numerous grand affairs, 
and patriots not unnaturally grumble. He is wildly extravagant, 
and the Congress is not alone in feeling that it is both unbe- 
coming and dangerous.” 

^^I’d horsewhip any man who dared hint that Benedict Ar- 


WEST POINT, AND ARNOLD. 


179 


Hold was untrustworthy/’ cried Phil. “It is a shame. Have 
people so soon forgotten Ticonderoga and Saratoga ? ” 

“ Don’t look so fierce, Phil, and don’t horsewhip me; I’m a 
smaller man than you, besides I don’t doubt Arnold,” laughed 
Hamilton. “ Our great Washington trusts him, and is most sorry 
for him; I am sure when opportunity offers he will give him a 
chance to gain more glory, transferring him from the ease and 
social temptations of the command at Philadelphia to one of 
action, and when this happens Arnold’s troubles will he over, for 
we all know how Arnold can fight. Last January he had made 
up his mind to quit fighting forever, and get a grant of land from 
the New York legislature, to which he would retire with his old 
soldiers, and lead the simple life of a country gentleman. He 
said he desired less to shine in history than to he a good citizen. 
I really believe this plan would have been carried out, but for a 
new attack on him by President Reed of Congress. Arnold was 
so infuriated that he forgot all other aims in his demand for an 
investigation of the charges against him. Washington has tried 
to hasten the trial, for Arnold is fuming, and he sympathizes 
with him, but he has not been able to bring it about; it looks now 
as if the trial would take place next month. I wish it were over; 
it is a thousand pities, the whole wretched affair, and I feel vague 
apprehension of I know not what.” 

“ By Jove, Hamilton, you donH trust Arnold ! ” cried 
Phil. 

“ I trust him, but I fear for him, Phil. He’s a man of im- 
pulse, and that sort soar high, but they can fail miserably in the 
hour of trial,” answered Hamilton, with the clearness of insight 
that distinguished him. “You’re a good lover, Philip,” he 


180 


WEST POINT, AND ARNOLD. 


added laughing. I’d trust your fidelity, young man, through 
anything.” 

The winter passed uneventfully for Phil. It was the coldest 
winter for many years, the iSTorth Eiver and even the harbor was 
frozen so solid that cannon was drawn over the ice from Staten 
Island to Hew York. Sir Henry Clinton and Washington were 
occupied watching each other, and the Southern campaigns which 
were to end the war were beginning. 

As strength retui;ned to him Phil fretted at his inactivity. 
Arnold had been tried and acquitted in January for the second 
time, and the news had rejoiced Phil, and the Commander-in- 
chief no less. 

One day in July Hamilton came briskly over to Phil’s tent. 

I have news for you, Philip the Great,” he said cheerily. First 
of all the general hath sent me to bring you to him, and secondly 
your old general, Arnold, hath applied for the command at West 
Point. He says the wound in. his leg still troubles him, and he 
is unfit for active service^ but wants something to do worthy of his 
past. What a friend our chief is, Phil ! You know there is no 
point so important as West Point, the very key of all our position, 
but AVashington hath given it into Arnold’s hands instantly on 
his asking it, as if he rejoiced to be able to show Arnold how vain 
had been all attempts to shake his confidence in him.” 

He could confide it to no one more competent, or worthy,” 
said Phil, making ready to follow Hamilton to headquarters. 
“ But he is a great-souled man indeed ! Between you and me I 
suspect he hath suffered more than we guess from distrust two 
years ago, and hence is more than ever disposed to heal Arnold’s 
smarting wounds.” 


WEST POINT, AND ARNOLD. 


181 


Washington looked up with a pleasant smile of welcome as 
the two young men entered his presence. He looked almost gay 
and lighthearted, beaming with the thought of the pleasure he 
was able to confer. 

Come hither, Colonel Martin,’^ he said; Phil had received 
his promised commission. Come hither. Hath Hamilton told 
you of your general’s new appointment ? ” 

^^Yes, your Excellency, and I am rejoiced at the news,” 
answered Phil. 

I felt sure you would be; you have loved Arnold faithfully 
tlirough good and evil report, have you not ? ” said Washington. 

What are evil reports when you know a man. Excellency ? ” 
asked Phil simply. 

There is knowledge and knowledge, Phil,” said Washington, 
smiling paternally on the young fellow, whose first name he used 
unconsciously. There is the knowledge that can he corrected, 
or altered, and the knowledge that knows it knows. General 
Arnold is to be congratulated on one stanch friend. How 
would you like to he sent to join Arnold at West Point ? I 
thought the meeting would he pleasant to you both.” 

I thank your Excellency,” said Phil, flushing with pleasure. 

I should he delighted to he under Arnold again, and at AVest 
Point I might he useful, and not too far from headquarters, for 
though it makes my heart throb to think of seeing General Ar- 
nold once more, I should like to he near headquarters till the 
end.” He dared not say that he did not want to he deprived of 
glimpses of the Commander-in-chief, hut Washington’s kindly 
glance showed he understood. 

Go then to West Point, and report for duty to General 


182 


WE82’ POINT, AND ABNOLD. 


Arnold at once/' he said. “Are you ready to ride without 
delay ? " 

“ In two hours, your Excellency. Permit me to thank you 
for your consideration of me/' said Phil, bowing low, and leaving 
the room. 

Phil rode leisurely up the bank of the glorious Hudson 
through the long July twilight, not hastening, nor loitering, but 
keeping Brown Bess at a steady pace which she could sustain. 
He slept the night at a farmhouse, and pursued his way early in 
the morning while the air was still cool, and the dew had not 
dried on the vines and brakes by the roadside. The mountains 
of the Highlands rose around him by night, and it was nearly 
dark when he reached West Point. 

Washington's passport served him in lieu of the countersign 
of the day, which he did not know, and he was admitted into the 
fortifications. He saw that Brown Bess was made comfortable, 
well rubbed down, and fed, before he took his own supper, and 
this finished he asked to be taken immediately to Arnold's head- 
quarters, which were on the opposite bank of the river, in the 
confiscated house of the Tory, Beverly Eobinson. 

Phil was rowed across in silence, the great mountains closing 
in the river at this point like walls, beneath which the tiny row- 
boat, the two men in it, even the war itself and all human con- 
cerns, seemed petty and insignificant. 

“A young officer from General Washington, to be taken at 
once to General Arnold," said Phil's guide to the sentinel who 
recognized him. 

“ Go up with him yourself; I am on duty," said the sentinel, 
and they passed on up the lawn without further hindrance. 


WEST POINT, AND ADNOLD. 


183 


The house was a low two-story country house, with two ad- 
ditional sections built on the main structure. A long porch 
shaded the door, and PhiFs heart heat high as he stepped under 
its roof, and entered the hall which was to admit him to Arnold. 
All his old love and enthusiasm for his leader, all his pride in his 
splendid courage, the remembrance of his handsome face and 
ringing laugh was strong in PhiFs mind, vivified by the knowl- 
edge that he was so near him, and exciting him to such a degree 
that he could hardly keep from running down the ball to the 
door pointed out to him as the entrance to the room where Ar- 
nold was sitting.- He did not knock, but opened the door softly 
and suddenly, wishing to give his old Commander, who had ever 
shown such love for him, a surprise which he never doubted 
would be a glad one. 

He stood on the threshold a moment, looking at Arnold, who 
sat writing at a table, and had not heard him. Tears of joy 
sprang in PhiFs eyes as he looked on him, his heart throbbed 
hard, and his voice quivered as he said: General Arnold ! 

Arnold sprang to his feet, and covered the paper on which he 
had been writing with his hand by an involuntary movement. 
He recognized Phil, but instead of joy, an unmistakable look of 
horror came over his face. Far from coming forward to grasp 
PhiFs outstretched hands, he fell back a step, and cried in a tone 
of pain and disgust: Philip Martin ! What in the devil has sent 
you here ! 


CHAPTER XYII. 

THE BITTEK END. 

Hukt and amazed at his reception at the hands of Arnold, 
Phil fell hack a few paces, and stared at him blankly, unable to 
speak, or explain, in reply to his exclamation, that he had been 
sent there by Washington. 

Arnold was the first to recover. Rallying from his involun- 
tary shock at seeing honest Phil, who might prove troublesome 
in the dark deed he was plotting, he came towards him, holding 
out his hands with an echo of his old merry laugh. 

Well, Phil boy, I gave thee a queer welcome, didn’t I ? You 
came upon me so unexpectedly and silently, that I believe you 
shocked my nerves. Dear lad, I am glad to see you, now that I 
realize that it is you whom I see. I always loved you, boy, and 
I believe you love me. Hang it, man, don’t, look so scared and 
hurt. You shocked me; that is all. You are grown older, and 
thinner, but you’re my same Phil. What good angel dropped 
3'^ou down among these mountains at this hour of night ? ” 

As he talked he had been, shaking both of Phil’s hands ener- 
getically, varying the performance with occasional hearty slaps 
on the back, and Phil, whose nature was too generous not to be- 
lieve what was said to him unless he Was forced to do otherwise, 

184 


THE BITTER END. 


185 


rallied under the cordial smile of his beloved general, and looked 
into his eyes, his own beaming with love and joy. 

General Washington was so good and considerate of my 
happiness, as to transfer me to West Point that I might serve 
under you once more,” he replied. He knew the pleasure it 
would give me to see you, and I think he hoped you would not 
be sorry to see some one, who though only a useless young fellow, 
has never wavered in his attachment to you.” 

Washington is kind, a loyal friend,” said Benedict xirnold, 
a swift shadow passing over his face at the thought of the man 
w'ho had just proved his trust in him by committing to him the 
guardianship of the most important post in his power to confer. 

And all these slanders that crack-brained Congress has trumped 
up against me has never shaken your trust in me, eh ? ” 

That is an absurd question. General,” returned Phil. 

Hothing on earth could shake my trust in you.” 

Come, that is a pleasant hearing,” said Arnold with a look of 
relief. ^^IJpon my word, Phil, I am glad to see thee. I have 
been made a happy man since we parted at Saratoga; did you 
know it ? ” 

To tell the truth. General, you look less happy than you did 
then,” said Phil bluntly. 

Is it so ? ” exclaimed Arnold quickly. I did not know my 
face betrayed my experiences. But I tell you, Phil, I have en- 
dured more than any words could explain at the hands of those 
meddlesome old women, your precious Congress. Hay, but I 
meant in my private life I have been blessed beyond all telling. 
Come, let me present you to Mistress Arnold; she is young, only 
about your own age, and as sweet and lovable as she is charming. 


186 


TEE BITTER END. 


And I have a little son, who at present is better adapted to en- 
forcing guard duty at night than to leading a regiment. Come, 
and you shall see him too, if he be not sleeping.” 

Arnold led the way to Mrs. i^rnold’s sitting-room. Chatting 
cordially all the while, and Phil followed, quite cured of the shock 
of his greeting, and with all his old admiration for his general 
kindled anew. 

Peggy, my love, I have brought you a visitor. Captain 
—no, by Jove ! ” Arnold added, glancing at PhiFs straps, Colonel 
Pliilip Martin, who fought under your husband at Saratoga, and 
has had the bad taste to stick to him faithfully, and love him 
through ill repute.” 

A young lady with a piquant, animated face rose to curtsy 
to Phil at this introduction, and then gave him her hand cordially. 
'Ro better recommendation could he have had than fidelity to the 
general to win the liking of Mrs. Arnold, who clung to her hus- 
band through the dark days that followed with touching devotion. 

Colonel Martin is most welcome,” she said with a bright 
smile. Will you allow me to offer you a cup of tea ? ” 

Thank you, yes, though I supped across the river on my 
arrival,” Phil answered, taking the chair Arnold placed for him. 

And now, Phil,” said the general, v’^hen he was supplied with 
tea by his wife’s hand, tell me the history of these three years 
as they concern yourself; begin at the beginning, and omit 
nothing.” 

And Phil passed the rest of the evening in the kindly atmos- 
phere of the interest shown in his own fortunes by the general 
and his fair girl wife, and went late to bed entirely happy. 

During the weeks that followed his arrival Phil became con- 


THE BITTER END. 


187 


scions of a change in the general from the Arnold of old. He 
could not have said just wherein it consisted, but it was there. 
It did not trouble him; he attributed it to the anxiety and annoy- 
ance Arnold had borne, and loved him as devotedly as ever. 
Towards Phil himself he had grown fitful; one day he treated him 
with his old time cordiality and frankness, at another the young 
man could not hut feel that he annoyed his general, and would 
have been hurt by Arnold’s manifest avoidance of him, had he 
not more than made it up by extra touches of affection at their 
next meeting. Phil was appointed duties which kept him at 
West Point more than at the headquarters house, and for the 
first few weeks after his arrival he saw more of Colonel Living- 
stone, the Commandant there, than of Arnold. Late in August, 
however, Arnold completely changed all this, and Phil scarcely 
left his side. He employed him as aide-de-camp, and Phil wrote 
many letters and dispatches for him. One day having just fin- 
ished some such task he picked up a piece of paper, and read the 
name " Custavus ” written on it in the general’s hand. 

Who is Custavus, General ? ” he asked smilingly. Are you 
going to publish poems under an assumed name ? ” 

Arnold started and changed color. Hot precisely,” he then 
answered laughingly. I don’t mind telling you, Phil, that I have 
had certain business dealings lately that I do not want known; 
there’s been gossip enough about my financial affairs. You 
weren’t far out of the way, boy, as to the assumed name, but I 
can’t plead guilty to poetry.” 

Very well. General, I won’t betray you, whatever it is,” said 
Phil lightly, and thought no more of the matter. 

Later, when the blow had fallen, and Arnold fled from the 


188 


THE BITTER END. 


righteous wrath of his countrymen, Phil saw that it was because 
of his devoted love and trust in him, that could suspect 
no wrong, that had made Arnold alter his mind in regard to him^ 
and choose him as the safest person possible to have about him. 

PhiV^ said Arnold one day early in September, “ will you 
tell me honestly what you think of continuing this war of ours ? 
In confidence, you know.’’ 

Phil looked up surprised. 

As to its being best, do you mean ? ” he asked wonderingly. 

^^Yes. Did you ever think that the Declaration of Inde- 
pendence would never have been made had the colonies seen any 
other way of getting their rights from England ? And now that 
our great victory at Saratoga has insured this country all she 
Avanted in the first place, did it ever strike you it was unrighteous 
to pursue the war ? ” 

N’o, it never did,” replied Phil in amazement. 

^^Yor that the man who could end it by re-establishing the 
king, with assured freedom to the States, would be a benefactor to 
his country^ ” 

^‘^Emphatically not,” said Phil. 

And why ? ” persisted Arnold. 

Well, for one thing it would hang Washington; it would not 
be possible to secure his safety, and I would object to betraying 
him,” said Phil. 

Arnold winced imperceptibly. His safety might be se- 
cured,” he said. Putting that aside, don’t you honestly think 
that man Avould be a true patriot who could end this war ? ” 

End it thus ? ” asked Phil. 

'^End it thus, by a stroke that would secure the liberties of 


THE BITTER END. 


189 


the colonies, which England is prepared to insure, and re-estab- 
lish her government ? Don’t you think it is more natural and 
right to seek her aid and alliance than those papistical French ? 
I beg your pardon,” added Arnold. I never can think of you 
as a Catholic, and you surely have no French traits.” 

See here. General Arnold,” cried Phil, recovering from his 
surprise, and bursting out laughing. Won’t you kindly tell me 
what have I done to shake your confidence in me, that you set 
yourself to entrap me into such sentiments ? They are most 
decidedly not mine. General, and though I know you love your 
jest, I actually thought you were in earnest when you began 
speaking. But if I harbored any such notions you would be the 
last man to whom I would reveal them, for Benedict Arnold would 
shoot dead, regardless of old love or association, any man who was 
a traitor to our cause.” 

Arnold rose, and the sword laid across his knee fell to the 
floor with a clatter, as Phil spoke. He walked to the window, 
and looked out, his back to Phil, who could not see the white 
dents coming and going about his handsome mouth. He followed 
the general to the window, and laid his hand affectionately on 
his shoulder. Nay, I know you were jesting. General,” he said, 
hut tell me you did not distrust my truth. You never thought 
I could he a traitor, did you. General ? ” 

Arnold turned from the window with a noisy laugh, and 
seized Phil by the shoulders. You a traitor, hoy ! ” he cried. 

You are true, loyal blue to the backbone. I did but jesting test 
thee, and thou hast stood the test.” 

May God turn His face from me if ever I desert my country, 
betray my general, or turn back from the glorious course we have 


190 


THE BITTER END. 


set out upon,” said Phil, stirred to his depths by even the possibil- 
ity of proving false. 

Take no oaths, boy; man is a creature of moods and varia- 
tions,” said Arnold, dropping his hands, and leaving the room. 

And that was the last time Phil ever had more than a few 
passing words with Benedict Arnold. 

On the twenty-first day of September, a date never to be for- 
gotten by Phil, General Arnold spoke to him late in the after- 
noon. There is a matter which I must look into personally 
down the river,” he said. I am going down in my barge, and 
shall not return till to-morrow. I think there is something to be 
done down by Stony Point, and I dare not entrust the inspection 
to another. Pll tell thee no more, Phil, for I do not want it talked 
of yet, and what you do not know you can unhesitatingly say you 
are ignorant of. You will remain with Colonel Livingstone, who 
will instruct you on the duties you are to assume during my 
absence. Good-bye, Phil; if I fall from my barge, or am devoured 
by sharks in the Hudson, think kindly of your old Commander.” 

He laughed as he spoke, but something in his voice made Phil 
reply: I can never think of Arnold with mere kindness.” 

He watched the general’s barge glide dovm, and disappear in 
the shadow of the mountains, and taking a boat himself, he rowed 
across to West Point. 

The next morning the first thing that met the eyes of the 
garrison at West Point was the Vulture, a British man-of-war, 
standing up so close to them that Colonel Livingstone’s wrath 
was aroused. 

I wonder if she thinks we are straw men ? ” he said indig- 
nantly. What sort of a piece of impudent defiance is this ? 


THE BITTER END. 


191 


' s 

Colonel Martin, you will take command of the men on the south, 
and I will stay here. We will give that British bird of prey a 
volley that will teach her to keep her distance.” 

In a short time the guns of West Point were thundering at the 
Vulture, and she dropped down the stream beyond their reach. 

Confound her impudence ! ” said Colonel Livingstone to 
Phil, as he gave the order to cease firing. Wedl spoil her beauty 
if she dares come up here again.” 

They little dreamed what they had spoiled by that timely 
volley, or that their own safety hung on such a slender thread, 
for ten miles down the river Arnold was plotting the betrayal of 
his own garrison, and Andre’s life was lost when the Vulture 
dropped down stream. 

Arnold’s barge returned shortly after noon, and the general 
stepped out of it calm and smiling. His baby boy had grown 
very fond of Phil, and was seated on his shoulder, laughing and 
crowing to welcome his father home. 

All well, Phil ? ” asked Arnold, putting out his arms for 
the baby, and at the same time shaking Phil’s hand. 

Yes, sir, all well; we feared you might be captured by the 
Vulture,” returned ]^1, pressing the dishonored hand which he 
was never to clasp again. 

Hot I,” smiled Arnold. I am not ready for vultures yet, 
my boy.” 

The next day was Sunday, and Phil was overjoyed by the 
arrival of a messenger from Washington at Fishkill on his way 
back from Hartford, saying that he and his suite, including Ham- 
ilton and Lafayette, would breakfast with Arnold in the morning. 

“ You will join us, Phil ? ” said Arnold. 


192 


THE BITTER END, 


With pleasure, General,’’ said Phil. 

I will have you placed beside Hamilton; or would you rather 
have no one to speak to, but worship his Excellency undis- 
turbed ? ” asked Arnold laughing. You are a hero worshipper, 
Phil.” 

And if I am it is ungrateful in you to reproach me with it,” 
retorted Phil, with unmistakable admiration for his superior offi- 
cer in his honest eyes. 

Monday morning came, and with it Hamilton alone. Phil 
met him down the road. 

Don’t look disappointed,” he said after hearty greetings. 

His Excellency hath ridden dovm to the shore to look at some 
ledoubts; he bade me come on, and hid Mistress Arnold not to 
wait for him.” 

Then hasten, for Mistress Arnold is now waiting,” said Phil, 
and quickened his steps towards the house. 

Welcome, Colonel Hamilton,” said Mrs. Arnold cordially, 
and as Hamilton repeated his message, added : I suppose we 
must not disobey the general’s orders, though I am sorry he is not 
here to sit down with us. Will you follow me, please, gentle- 
men ? ” 

'She led the way to the bright dining-room, with the Septem- 
ber sunshine lighting up its wainscoted walls. General Arnold 
took the foot of the table, and his young wife the head; a small 
party of the officers attached to Arnold’s command sat with them, 
leaving Washington’s and Lafayette’s places vacant. 

^^You have had charming weather for your little journey. 
Colonel Hamilton,” said Arnold, as he accepted the colfee his ser- 
vant handed him. These grapes are of our own raising, or 


THE BITTER END. 


193 


strictly speaking, I should say of Mr. Beverly Robinson’s raising, 
since we found the vines well laden when we took possession. 
They are a rare kind — 

A courier entered the room, and as he hesitated whether to 
come forward General Arnold beckoned him, and took from him 
the letter which he handed him. ^^Your pardon, gentlemen,” 
he said, and opened it. He read it through without a change of 
countenance, folded it, and placed it in his pocket. As I was 
about to say,” he continued, these grapes are from stock origi- 
nally brought here from the Rhine, and are excellent in flavor. 
Let me beg you, gentlemen, to enjoy them none the less that your 
host is suddenly called to West Point,” he added rising. I pray 
you excuse me; I am sorry to leave you, hut we are all soldiers, 
and know duty is before pleasure.” 

Bowing, he left the room quietly, and without haste, and as 
he watched his form pass through the door Phil little dreamed he 
had looked his last on Benedict Arnold. 

Mrs. Arnold, who alone saw that something serious had hap- 
pened, murmured an excuse, and followed him; the breakfast pro- 
ceeded quietly without either host or hostess. 

It was noon heforo Washington and the others arrived. 

"" General Arnold has been called to West Point ? ” repeated 
Washington. ^^ Let us proceed there immediately, gentlemen; 
we can meet him sooner, and inspect the works at the same time. 
Colonel Martin, will you escort us ?” 

Phil gladly obeyed, and the general, with all his suite except 
Hamilton, crossed the river. 

General Arnold has not been here to-day, your Excellency,” 
said Colonel Livingstone when Washington inquired for him. 


194 


THE BITTER END. 


Ah/’ said Washington, he left his guests expecting to come 
here; doubtless he found it unnecessary, and hath business at 
headquarters. We will not inspect the works now, gentlemen. 
It were more courteous, as well as more in accordance with my 
desire, to return and join General Arnold.” 

They rowed back to the headquarters, and Phil sprang lightly 
over the bow of the barge, and ran a little ahead of the others 
up the bank. 

“ I vill race you after dinner, not too soon after dinner, but 
ven ve are comfortable,” whispered Lafayette, who was a boy at 
heart, in Phil’s ear. 

Phil laughed gayly. America against France, and America 
to win,” he returned. 

They saw Hamilton pacing rapidly up and down before the 
headquarters; his hands were clenched, and in one of them he held 
papers crushed in the tightness of his grasp. Lafayette and Phil 
looked at him, wondering what had so excited him during their 
short absence. 

“ Qu’avez vous, mon bon ami ? ” asked Lafayette. Vat 
has happened to you ? ” He laid his arm affectionately over 
Hamilton’s shoulder, but the young aide shook it off. 

‘^^Don’t, Marquis; forgive me, I can’t tell you. Your Excel- 
lency, General Washington, come here. I have received news for 
you,” he added, as Washington came up. 

The general glanced at Hamilton’s face, and followed him 
into the house without a word. They were gone nearly half an 
hour, during which time General Knox, Lafayette and Phil 
waited outside, longing and fearing to hear the tidings. They 
saw Hamilton and another aide rushing down towards the river 


THE BITTER END, 


195 


by a side path at last, and Washington came out to where they 
were standing. His face was flushed, the veins were swollen in 
his forehead, and tears ran down his cheeks like rain. 

^^Mon cher general,” cried Lafayette, holding out his arms 
with the demonstrative affection of his race. 

Washington did not seem to hear him. With a voice choked 
and hoarse he said: Arnold is a traitor, and has fled to the 
British ! Whom can we trust now ? ” 

Phil uttered a low cry, and threw up both hands, as if to ward 
off a blow. ^^No, no,” he moaned. Don’t say it. 0 God; it 
can’t be true ! ” 


CHAPTEE XVIII. 


EEUNITED. 

Except for PhiFs exclamation of grief, the little group made 
no sound, or motion as it received the Commander-in-chiefs 
tidings. Lafayette stood speechless, his face white with horror. 
General Knox set his teeth, his brow drawn and purpling, hut did 
not speak. Washington struggled hard to regain his self-control, 
and soon succeeded; it was he who first broke the silence. 

Gentlemen,^^ he said, you will follow me, please ? ’’ 

He led the way back into the house, and into the room where 
Phil had found Arnold on the night of his arrival. The very 
air seemed full of the presence of the man on whom they would 
never look again, unless he were captured — and hung ! The full 
realization of what had happened came over Phil for the first time; 
his limbs failed, he felt faint, and dropped into the chair which 
Lafayette, seeing how pale he was, placed for him by the table. 

There is much to be done,^^ Washington said. Colonel 
Hamilton I have sent in pursuit of the fugitive. We must strive 
to ascertain how far the mischief has gone, and what immediate 
danger threatens us. Mistress Arnold is above stairs in a serious 
condition; she hath passed from one hysterical attack to another, 
and my utmost endeavor hath failed to elicit from her any infor- 
mation.’’ 


196 


BEUNITED. 


197 


Bh.e is a Tory, of Tory blood/’ growled General Knox. “ She 
doubtless is at the bottom of this dastardly business.” 

^^Kot so, General Knox,” said Washington. Let us not be 
unjust in our righteous indignation. The poor young creature 
is suffering sorely, and I would not add to a burden time can but 
make heavier by the shadow of an unjust suspicion. I am con- 
vinced, having looked on her agony, that Mistress Arnold is inno- 
cent of any knowledge of her husband’s perfidy.” 

Arnold is not a traitor,” cried Phil suddenly starting up. 

Who says he is perfidious ? I will never believe it. Where 
are your proofs ? ” 

Young man, remember that you are speaking to your Com- 
mander-in-chief,” said General Knox in an angry tone. 

But Washington, understanding that Phil had meant no dis- 
respect, said mildly: I would you could hold to your faith. 

Colonel Martin, but we have only too much proof. See here, 
the papers found in the stockings of the British spy whom Ar- 
nold met, and with whom he conspired to betray the fort two days 
ago.” 

Two days ! He went down the river ! ” gasped Phil. 

Precisely. Here is the pass he gave the spy, even to White 
Plains should he choose to go so far; here the memoranda of the 
strength and disposition of the garrison,” said Washington. 

Betray the fort ! ” groaned Phil, looking at the papers with- 
out seeing them. 

You must tell us all you know of this matter. Colonel Mar- 
tin,” said Washington gravely. “ You were much with General 
Arnold, were you not ? ” 

^^Yes, sir,” said Phil. 


198 


REUNITED. 


^^Had you absolutely no knowledge, or suspicion of this 
plot ? ” 

no/^ Phil groaned. 

Hath Arnold never said anything to you that could throw 
light on the present darkness ? persisted Washington. 

Two weeks ago he asked me if I had ever thought it would 
be better to end the war by re-establishing the king, with the 
States’ libeidies secured from England, or that the man who struck 
a blow bringing this about would be a true friend of his country,” 
said Phil hoarsely. 

And you answered ? ” suggested Knox impatiently, as Phil 
stopped. 

I thought him jesting,” replied Phil, too immersed in the 
misery of the hour to see that he was under examination for his 
own complicity in the treason. I told him that I never had, and 
I laughed, and asked him what I had done that he should suspect 
me of disloyalty. I said that he was fond of jesting, and — 

And ? Go on,” cried Knox impatiently. 

And — oh, God help me bear it — I said if I had such 
thoughts he would be the last man on earth to whom I would tell 
them, for Benedict Arnold would shoot dead any man who was a 
traitor.” And falling on his knees, Phil laid his head on his 
arms over the table, his whole body shaken by a storm of sobs. 
Ko one spoke; even General Knox’s eyes were moist, and Lafay- 
ette, laying his arm protectingly over Phil’s shoulder, said in 
French: Spare him. General; you see that he knew nothing.” 

Colonel Livingstone entered the room at that moment, horror 
and indignation stamped on his face. He saluted, and said: 

You sent for me. General; here I am.” 


heunited. 


199 


You know the awful blow that hath fallen upon us/^ said 
Washington. We may he in hourly danger of attack. The 
British fleet may come up the river at any moment. We must 
make ourselves ready against surprise. Is there any one who was 
in Arnold’s confidence, or Who may be concerned in this plot ? ” 
This young man here, your Excellency,” replied Colonel 
Livingstone bluntly. “He was devoted to Arnold, wrote his 
letters, was in his company, and with his family continually.” 

Phil sprang to his feet, quivering with wrath. “ Who dares 
hint I connived at treason ? ” he shouted. “ I loved Arnold, the 
patriot; I never knew Arnold the traitor.” 

“ Fine words,” said Colonel Livingstone dryly. “ There was 
no Arnold the patriot at West Point. I hardly see how you can 
have failed to know Arnold’s mind.” 

Before Phil could answer Washington. interposed. “Softly, 
softly, my good sir. The worst of such a crime as Arnold’s is 
that it shakes our faith in human virtue. The first feeling with 
us all is that being deceived in one, none can be true. I loved 
Arnold, and trusted him; do you doubt me because I gave him the 
command of our most important post ? Philip Martin, look me 
in the eyes. By all that you hold sacred, and your honor as a 
soldier and a gentleman, do you know anything more of this 
black deed than you have told us ? ” 

“ I know nothing more, your Excellency,” said Phil proudly. 
“ Had I so much as suspected you should have known it. I was 
a fool, in my blindness, but I cannot endure to be thought a 
knave.” 

“ Hay, Philip, I am satisfied. It is to your credit that you did 
not doubt your general. It would be a black heart that could have 


200 


BBUNITED. 


dreamed of such a perfidy as this/^ said Washington, laying his 
hand on Phil’s shoulder. Colonel Livingstone, we will now 
inspect the works. We must discover and repair the harm 
that may have been done. Colonel Martin, come with us. There 
is work for the loyal, and no time to lament the traitor.” 

The entire day was spent in the inspection of the fortifica- 
tions. Washington discovered and repaired the breaches made 
by Arnold to admit the enemy, and sat down weary and sad at 
night to supper in the wainscoted dining-room where that very 
morning the traitor had smiled at his guests at breakfast. 

It seemed to Phil that not time, but eternity lay between the 
beginning and end of that day. He wondered, looking about him, 
if it could be the same world, if he were Philip Martin, and there 
were such a thing as truth or honor on earth. Yes; at the head 
of the table sat a man, whose face was worn with repressed pain, 
but whose calm and dignified bearing breathed truth in every 
motion. Phil looked at Washington with new eyes; Arnold had 
called forth the enthusiastic devotion of the boy, but Phil was a 
man from that day, and realized that not courage, not charm, 
not brilliancy counted, but character, the qualities founded on 
principle, which no circumstances can affect. Washington was 
great, but not his military genius, nor unerring judgment made 
him what he was; it was the soul of the man which raised him 
above his fellows. 

The Commander-in-chief, seeing that Phil’s food lay untasted 
on his plate, smiled at him, and said: Try to eat. Colonel 

Philip. There can be no grief so bitter as finding wanting one 
on whose truth we would have staked our life. These experiences 
are hard at any age; they are unendurable at your age, and that 


REVNITED. 


201 


of our ally here/’ with an affectionate glance at Lafayette. Yet 
do not feel that there is no truth anywhere, and since you know 
you would never betray a trust, be sure there are others equally 
faithful. Eat, and he strong and ready, my boy; your country 
needs her true sons the more that they are fewer than we 
thought.” 

At that moment a messenger entered and handed Washington 
a letter. He read it, and turned to Phil. Do you think it were 
easier to Mistress Arnold to see you, or a stranger ? ” he asked. 

Ah, don’t ask me to see her to-night, your Excellency,” 
cried Phil shrinking. Last night was Sunday, you know, and at 
this hour she played hynms upon her spinet, and sang, and the 
gen — he sang with her — ” 

Yes,” interrupted Washington. “ Marquis, this letter is 
from Arnold. Go to Mistress Arnold and tell her that though 
my duty required no means should be neglected to arrest General 
Arnold, I have great pleasure in acquainting her that he is now 
safe on hoard a British vessel.” 

Hamilton returned that night. "Arnold was safe on the Vul- 
ture and his task of pursuing him was ended. 

^^My poor Phil,” said Hamilton after he had reported to 
Washington, and he and Phil walked out alone under the moun- 
tains’ shadow, by the peaceful river. I have thought of you all 
day. 1 am afraid it has been almost more than you could hear.” 

I loved him, Hamilton,” said Phil simply. I would have 
throttled any man who had told me he could have been false.” 

I can’t say I am not surprised, for I am,” returned Hamil- 
ton. And yet — and yet ! I am not much of a preacher, Phil, 
hut I always have felt virtue did not count for much which was 


202 


heunit^d. 


not built on principle. Arnold acted on impulse; impulses are all 
right while they are good ones, but what if they are bad ? 
Impulsive people are all very lovable, but you can’t be sure of 
them.” 

Think of Arnold at Ticonderoga,” said Phil, not paying 
much attention to what Hamilton was saying. Ho man, unless 
it is Greene, has done for the cause what he has done, putting 
Washington out of the question, as he is beyond them all.” 

There’s the pity of it,” cried Hamilton. You would not 
mind so much the wdckedness of one who had been the devil’s 
property from birth, but when Lucifer falls, you mourn the lost 
angel.” 

I have thought all day of that moment at Saratoga when 
Arnold fell, and I saved his life from the German soldier who 
v'as about to make an end of him,” said Phil with quivering voice. 

^ Don’t kill him,’ Arnold shouted. ^ He’s a fine fellow.’ So 
generous, so brave, so high souled then ! Would to heaven I 
had stayed my hand and the Hessian had run him through on 
that field of glory ! Oh, General, dear General ! ” 

He broke down utterly, and Hamilton spoke, after a brief 
silence. ^^Phil, Arnold is dead. He hath buried himself here 
in these Highlands, and gone to his grave down the Hudson. 
Forget him, and leave him here. May God forget his treacherous 
end, and remember only Saratoga on the Judgment Day.” 

The two young men went back to headquarters without 
another wmrd, and soon Phil slept the sleep of utter exhaustion. 

It was apparent as days went by that Colonel Livingstone 
was not yet convinced that Phil was stainless of any part, or at 
least knowledge of the plot against West Point. He treated him 


REUNITED. 


203 


with aversion, and when Phil realized at last the canse of his 
change of manner, it took all the comfort Washington’s trust in 
him could give him, to make life at West Point endurable to the 
young fellow. 

One evening he was seated in the presence of the Commander- 
in-chief, Colonel Livingstone also being in the room, as well as 
Lafayette and Hamilton. An orderly entered, saluted, and said: 

Begging your pardon. General Washington, the sentinel at the 
southern gate sent me up to say there’s a young man outside 
asking to he admitted to Colonel Martin. He says he’s a friend, 
but he didn’t know the countersign, and he wouldn’t give any 
name. He’s dressed like a farmer, but he’s no farmer.” 

I will go down and speak to him,” said Phil rising. 

General Washington, let me beg you, sir, not to allow this,” 
said Colonel Livingstone, starting up. It is hut ten days since 
the treason was exposed, and who knows what plot this may he 
on the part of the enemy to gain an entrance to the garrison ? ” 
Phil looked daggers at the colonel, hut before he could speak 
Washington said quietly: Colonel Martin will be able to detect 
a ruse, sir. He is quite equal to taking care of one man, and if 
there he more he can sound an alarm. By all means proceed. 
Colonel Martin.” 

Phil went on his way down to the gate, raging inwardly. 

Either that fellow or I will have to quit this post,” he 
muttered. What right has he to doubt my honor ? ” 

He reached the gate on the southern end of the fortification; 
the sentinel recognized him, and saluting let him pass. 

Who is there ? ” Phil shouted, for it was dark, and he could 
not see. Did any one want Colonel Martin ? ” 


204 


BBUNITED. 


^^Yes/’ said a voice so close to him in the shadow that he 
started hack. I did.’^ 

‘‘ And who are yon ? demanded Phil, his hand on his pistol, 
and bewildered by a vague recollection of something or some one 
he could not tell what or who. What do you want of me, and 
what are you doing here at this time of night ? I won^t admit 
you till you explain yourself.” 

I want you, Philip Martin. Don’t you know me ? ”* said the 
Amice. 

Phil clutched by the shoulder the figure which he only saw 
dimly. In heaven’s name let me look at you ? ” he cried 
dragging the man into the circle of light thrown by a lantern 
hung a few feet behind him. He looked at him for an instant, 
and then the very mountains seemed to echo with the great shout 
with which he uttered the one word: ^^Dick ! ” 

The sentinel and half a dozen soldiers ran up at the cry and 
stood in blank amazement at the sight of the young colonel 
hugging the tall dark stranger, falling off to look at him, only to 
clutch him again, laughing, and half-sobbing the while, until 
after a vain effort to discover what* was the matter they took 
friend and possible foe into custody, and hustled them both back 
to Washington. 

The- Colonel, Colonel Martin’s gone mad, sir,” said a sergeant 
going on ahead to inform his superiors of the state of the case. 
‘^We found him hugging and dancing round the stranger who 
asked for him, and we can’t get a word of sense out of either of 
them.” 

The door flew open as he spoke, and Phil burst in dragging 
Dick with him. His face was crimson, his tongue thick; he cer- 


REUNITED. 


205 


tainly looked demented, and Colonel Livingstone put his hand on 
his sword. 

Look here, General, oh, look here ! cried Phil. 

What does this mean ? Who is this. Colonel Martin ? ” 
demanded Washington, amazed, hut guessing it was some one he 
ought to welcome. 

IPs Dick, iPs my dear old Dick ! shouted Phil, and Lafay- 
ette laughed aloud. 

I am a deserter, your Excellency,” began Dick, and as 
Washington looked from one to the other, hopeless of discovering 
what he wanted to know, Alexander Hamilton entered the room 
which he had quitted a few moments before. He stopped short 
at the curious scene before him, and then seemed infected with (a 
touch of delirium himself. By all thaPs wonderful, Dick 
AVatts ! ” he shouted, running up to seize the stranger’s hands. 

Powers above, man, how did you come here, and how glad I am 
to see you ! ” 

Washington caught the name, and a light broke upon him. 

Mr. Watts ! ” he said, This is indeed strange. Please con- 
trol yourself, sir, sufficiently to explain how you, an officer in the 
British army, are here to-night.” 

Colonel Livingstone sprang to his feet on hearing this, hut 
^.Washington motioned him to be silent. 

I am no longer an officer in the British army, your Excel- 
lency,” said Dick. I came away; deserted is an ugly word, nor 
in this case an appropriate one. I could not announce my inten- 
tion to Sir Henry Clinton, for I intended not merely to resign, 
but to join the American army, if you would accept me, and ,I 
could hardly expect to win Sir Henry’s consent to that. So I 


206 


BEUNITEB. 


left, but I sent back my resignation, and a letter explaining my 
motives, and I have done all I could to shake off my old al- 
legiance honorably before applying for permission to serve unde:, 
you, sir.’’ 

Phil had listened to this speech with eyes fairly dancing with 
Joy, and when it ended, and he realized that Dick was one with 
him at last, he threw up both hands, and shouted Hurrah, thrice, 
as loud as he could, and ended by seizing Alexander Hamilton’s 
slender shoulders and spinning him around in an ecstasy that for- 
got decorum, and the Commander-in-chief’s presence. 

But the Commander-in-chief did not appear to mind it; in- 
deed his eyes laughed, though he said: “ Softly, softly, Colonel 
Phil. I think. Captain Watts, that I am under obligations to you. 
You risked your life to acquaint Mistress Cicely Martin, the sister 
of this excitable boy here, with the plot formed by Tryon to 
assassinate me, that she mig'ht warn and save me, did you not ? ” 

Dick bowed. 

I thought other motives than mere love of me, or our cause 
actuated you then,” said Washington with a look that was nearly 
mischievous. Have you secretly sympathized with us so long, 
and may I ask why, if that was the case, you bore arms against 
us ? ” 

It is hard to explain human motives, and feelings, your * 
Excellency,” said Dick, taking the seat Washington indicated. 
'^At first I sincerely believed my duty lay in serving the king. 
As time went on I doubted it; I saw much in General Howe’s 
service in sharp contrast to the patriots’ devotion. The Decla- 
ration of Independence showed me the question in a new light; 
it was no longer the revolt of rebels, but the birth of a nation. 


REUNITED. 


2or 


The high minded patriotism of your leaders — ^your Excellency 
will pardon an apparent impertinence, since I must say this to 
explain the causes that have influenced me — your Excellency’s 
own character, and tremendous moral weight of example, all have 
drawn me. The continuance of the war, the impossibility of the 
States receding from the position they had taken, thus leaving 
me to choose between king and country gave me pause. It hath 
been a long course of influences and events, gradually drawing 
me towards you, and from my first convictions. Your Excellency 
can understand that such a change is slow and reluctant; it is hard 
for any man, and for some specially so, to shake off his early 
training, and the allegiance which he hath assumed. I might 
never have done more than resign my commission, and retire from 
the British army, abstaining from bearing arms against you had it 
not been for recent events. My soul was so sickened by Arnold’s 
treachery, that it quickened into flame all the latent desire I felt 
to be on the national side; I realized then that this was my coun- 
try, and she needed me. When Arnold arrived, and joined Sir 
Henry, I could no longer breathe the air he contaminated, and I 
laid off the uniform he had assumed, and started for the post he 
would have betrayed, to ask you to allow me to serve my cormtry 
till the end, if it be as a common soldier.” 

Washington had listened to Dick with increasing pleasure; 
he recognized in him a character worthy of respect and confi- 
dence. You are no stranger to me. Captain Watts; I have long 
known you were the material from which good patriots were 
made,” he said, rising and extending his hand. I accept your 
services with gratitude, and you will hold the same rank in our 
army you had in the British. And now will you four young men. 


208 


REUNITED. 


you, and Colonel Hamilton, the Marquis de Lafayette, to whom 
allow me to present you. Captain Watts, and your delirious friend 
Colonel Phil, do me the honor to sup with me ? ” 

The four young men thus favored bowed their acknowledg- 
ments, and as they left the room Phil whispered: ‘‘1 never ex- 
pected to be so happy again, Dick, old boy. The gain of you 
compensates for the loss of Arnold.’^ 

Arnold was far more valuable,’^ laughed Dick. 

That may be, but you are Dick,” retorted Phil. 

Which statement there was no gainsaying. 


CHAPTEE XIX. 


THE LAST BLOWS FOR FREEDOM. 

For a brief time Phil and Dick rested happy in being together. 
Phil, always more demonstrative than his friend, was overflowing 
with joy, and seemed nnable to satisfy his eyes, feasting on the 
sight of the face that he had loved since he had been capable 
of affection. Dick, though more quiet, was not less happy. He 
had been through a long struggle with himself, lasting with more 
or less intensity for four years, and had suffered loneliness, long- 
ing for old friends and old associations. He was profoundly at 
peace, and felt assured that at last he had chosen aright. Both 
young men sent a long letter to Cicely, telling her the good 
tidings in a sort of antiphonal chant, for the pages were written 
partly in Phil’s big, scrawling hand, and partly in Dick’s flne, 
compact characters; both assured her that the time was not far 
distant when she should join them, and in old New York, de- 
livered from the foe, they would resume the interrupted life of 
their childhood. 

Nevertheless, the year of 1780, the sad year of the treason, 
ended with black clouds hanging over the American cause. No 
one could have prophesied the series of brilliant strokes in the 
South which was so speedily to end in Cornwallis’ surrender. 
However, as the theatre of the drama was now in the South, Phil 

209 


210 


THE LAST BLOWS FOR FREEDOM. 


and Dick soon beg’an to chafe at idling in the North. Phil’s 
impetuous temper always craved the thick of the fight, and Dick 
longed to do some service for his newly espoused cause, the coun- 
try whose son he had in a sense been born anew. When they made 
known their desire to Washington, the general consulted them as 
to their own preference of assignment. Phil asked that he might 
not be called upon to oppose directly his old leader, Arnold having 
gone down to ravage Virginia, where good Baron Steuben was 
holding him in check. Washington sympathized with the feeling 
prompting Phil’s request, and granted it, and when he asked him 
if he had no choice of the staff to which he should be attached, 
Phil replied: Beyond that, nothing, your Excellency, yet if I 
might choose I should like to serve under General Lee in the 
cavalry.” No preference could better have chimed with Wash- 
ington’s own secret sympathy, for he loved tenderly Light Horse” 
Harry, the son of his own first love, and admired the brilliant, 
devoted soldier, so different from the adventurer Charles Lee, 
who had schemed against him in the early years of the war. He 
granted Phil’s request most cordially, and Dick’s choice of service 
was scarcely less pleasing to him. Dick preferred, if it might be, 
to face Cornwallis rather than Sir Henry Clinton, whose aide he 
had been, and whose kindness he had received. He and Lafay- 
ette had become intimate friends since Dick’s arrival at West 
Point, and since Dick was an accomplished linguist, Washington 
made him an aide to the young French general, who was almost 
precisely Dick’s own age, and whom Washington was sending 
down to Virginia to oppose Cornwallis. Accordingly the two 
friends journeyed southward together, but separated in Virginia, 
where Dick remained, while Phil continued down to South Caro- 


THE LAST BLOWS FOB FREEDOM. 


211 


lina to join Lee. He arrived in April, on the very day before Lee 
was detached from Greene, to form a conjunction with Marion 
to assail Fort Watson. 

Glad to have you. Colonel Martin,^^ said Colonel Lee cordially, 
looking with an eye of approval on Brown Bess, who had borne her 
master down, and was ready to do her part for her country. 

You have come just in time for a little excursion I am going 
on in the morning.” 

Fort Watson was an important post commanding Lord Eaw- 
don’s line of communication with the coast. As the besieging 
party of Americans drew near it Phil saw a fort built on an Indian 
mound, which rose forty feet above the plain. All around it was 
level country thickly wooded. 

How, isn’t that a nice thing,” said Light Horse ” Harry 
Lee, halting to look with profound disgust at the scene. 

What do you mean ? ” asked Francis Marion, who rode at 
his elbow. 

Hot a hill anywhere near the confounded fort,” growled 
Lee. “ If we had a hill, such as Phillips had at Ticonderoga, up 
w'hich he drew his cannon to dominate our fort, we could soon 
bring those fellows to terms. You see we have no cannon; to he 
sure they haven’t either, hut since it is an affair of rifles only, they 
have an immense advantage over us, perched as they are on that 
elevation.” 

The officers gathered round Colonel Lee looked serious; they 
saw the force of his wish for a hill. 

Well, ’tis true a hill would he invaluable,” remarked one of 
Marion’s men, but a flat country is a flat country, and we can’t 
make hills.^^ 


212 


THE LAST BLOWS FOB FREEDOM. 


The very thing ! ’’ fairly shouted Major May ham, another of 
Marion’s officers. Make one ! ” 

Every one laughed, but the major persisted. I suppose you 
think I came here to amuse you like a comic almanac,” he said 
huffily. I never was more serious in my life. Look at that 
forest of yellow pine yonder ! Hard as rocks, and strong enough 
for anything. What’s to prevent us cutting them down, hewing 
and fitting them together, and putting them up before the fort 
for a hill of our own.” 

Prudence alone prevented the cheers with which the other 
officers would have hailed this suggestion. 

“ Major Mayham,” said Light Horse ” Harry fervently. 

You have been inspired; no mortal mind ever conceived so 
noble a plan.” 

The besiegers turned into the forest, and for five days, not 
even pausing at night, the men worked furiously in its depths. 
Ho one could see them; the trees, untouched by man, giants of a 
primeval forest, screened them from the sight of the fort, and 
deadened the sound of their axes. 

The beams were fitted, each to join perfeetly to its mate, and 
the work was done. The night was dark when the tremendous 
beams were to be dragged before the fortress, but large as they 
were one night sufficed for the hard task. Silent, and looking 
like a colony of giant ants, the brave fellows strained and worked, 
weary though they were from nearly a week of strenuous labor. 
They got the beams together, and raised each in its place, and at 
dawn the amazed garrison saw an enormous wooden tower over- 
looking them. 

‘^ Talk about Birnam Wood cominsr to Dunsinane ! ” cried 


THE LAST BLO W8 FOB FREEDOM. 


^13 


Light Horse Harry gleefully. “We have the will that not only 
moves, hut builds mountains.’^ 

On a platform built out on the front of the tower were 
crowded American marksmen with their rifles, ready to pick off 
the garrison like grouse; mountaineers, most of them, of Marion^s 
band, sure of aim and cool of head. A breast-work of logs pro- 
tected the base of Major Mayham^s hill, behind which were no less 
deadly riflemen. Seeing there was no chance of escape, the for- 
tress surrendered, and the garrison marched out. 

Phil stood in the front ranks of the besiegers watching them 
come forth. To his unbounded surprise one of the men passing 
him, took his hand, and shook it. “ Pm glad to see you,” he said. 

“ I’m much obliged indeed,” returned Phil. “ Why, may I 
ask ? ” 

“Hot you in particular, for I never set eyes on you before, 
but the Americans. Pm an American myself; a prisoner,” said 
the man. 

“ The mischief you are ! ” exclaimed Phil. “ Here, come over 
yonder, and lie down under the trees; we’ve not been resting much 
these past nights, and I’m tired.” 

“ I should say you hadn’t rested,” said the man, looking 
admiringly at the tower. “ I was proud of you when I saw 
that.” 

“ Tell me about yourself,” said Phil stretching out on the pine 
needles. “ How did you happen to be here ? There should be 
no prisoners in this fortress.” 

“ Pm from Jersey,” replied his comrade, following his ex- 
ample. My name is John- Allen. I was confined on the prison 
ship in the Horth River, off Hew York, you know.” 


214 : 


THE LAST BLOWS FOR FREEDOM. 


Phil nodded. Don’t I ! Been there myself ! ” he said 
briefly. 

On the prison ship ? I want to know ! ” cried J ohn, who, 
Phil began to perceive, was a young man, not flve years older than 
himself. Well, I had a bad time, and was near dead. So near 
that a young Britisher on the ship took compassion on me, and 
slipped me off — it’s too long to tell you how now. He wouldn’t 
set me free, because he wouldn’t have thought he ought to do that, 
but he kept me his prisoner, till I got well, and then he got sent 
here, and he took me along. That’s three years ago, and Pve 
been waiting all this time to have some of the army come along 
and set me free, but they never did till to-day. Oh, my, but it’s 
been hard waiting ! ' I was going to get married, but I suppose 
Sue’s given me up for dead, and married some one else.” 

Sue who ? ” cried Phil, sitting up as an idea struck him, 
and disregarding euphony, or grammar. 

Sue Voorhees, the girl I was engaged to,” returned John 
mournfully. 

Hot Aunt Phoebe Voorhees’ daughter. Si’s cousin ? ” cried 

Phil. 

Lord have mercy, do you know her ? That’s the one ! ” 
yelled John, springing to his feet. 

Know her ! Didn’t they take care of me for three months 
when I was sick ? ” Phil cried — he said afterward he should have 
fallen off the ground in -his surprise and joy if there had been 
anywhere to which to fall. Didn’t Si help me get off the prison 
ship ? Sue isn’t married, man; she’s mourning for you hard, 
and you’d better run right along home, and console her.” 

John laughed, though he was near crying with joy, as he 


THE LAST BLOWS FOR FREEDOM. 


215 


wrung Phil’s hand almost off. It’s a long run ’way from South 
Carolina,” he said. But I’m going just’s soon’s I can get there, 
and you’ve made me the happiest man in these free blessed 
States.” 

“Well, I’m sure I’m nearly as pleased as you are,” Phil 
replied heartily. “ When we get through fighting you and Sue 
will come to New York, and I’ll try to show you I’m not ungrate- 
ful for what she and her good mother did for me.” 

While Phil was sharing in the series of triumphs which G-reene’s 
marvellous genius was winning in the Carolinas, Dick had joined 
Lafayette in Virginia. He not only added much to the comfort 
of the enthusiastic young Frenchman, between whom and his 
graver self was a friendship based on much the same contrast as 
bound him and Phil together, but he was able to he very useful 
to him, writing his dispatches, and acting as secretary and moder- 
ator. At first Dick did no more than this, feeling a natural 
reluctance to engage in open hostilities with his former friends 
in the first place, besides which Lafayette was playing a game of 
waiting with Cornwallis, for, as he wrote Washington, he “was not 
strong enough even to he beaten,” and it was in strategy that the 
impatient young Frenchman, “the hoy,” as Cornwallis called him, 
was trying to outwit his adversary, and at last so well succeeded. 

But as weeks went by Dick grew tired of inaction, and began 
to long to strike a blow for freedom. Lafayette had retreated 
across the Eapidan, and taken up a strong position. Dick per- 
suaded him to allow a small scouting party to go out to learn 
the movements of the enemy and Lafayette reluctantly consented. 
There were hut twenty in the party, and Dick led them. He 
wore no uniform; indeed as Lafayette’s aide, never called upon 


216 


TEE LAST BLOWS FOE FREEDOM. 


yet to go into action, he had seldom needed one, and the fine new 
uniform Washington had presented to him on his accession to the 
American army he treasured religiously. Now, dressed in ordi- 
nary dark clothes, and a military cloak, he went away from La- 
fayette’s headquarters, south and westward, for he had been im- 
bued with the fear that Cornwallis might make a sudden attack 
on Charlottesville, where the legislature of Virginia was then 
sitting. He and his little hand had gone on their way some 
miles, and thus far discovered nothing. Dick went out alone 
one evening, leaving instructions that if anything befell him, and 
he should not return by a certain hour, his men were to go back to 
Lafayette; it was a wooded country, and no one could tell the 
hour when misfortune might overtake him. As he made his way 
among the trees, he saw a light glimmering through them, and 
fell back to skirt around it, for he well knew none but the enemy 
v/as to be met there. As he picked his way from tree to tree he 
suddenly came face to face with another man similarly employed, f 

It would be hard to say which was more startled, but instantly 
the other cried joyfully: What ! Captain Watts ! I thought you 
were some cursed Yankee, or an Indian. How on earth did you 
ccme here ? I thought you were with Sir Henry Clinton in New 
York.” 

Dick saw the gleam of the scarlet coat and brass buttons, and 
realized that he had encountered a British officer, yet who the 
man was who knew him so well, he could not tell. Fortunately, 
whoever he was, he did not know of Dick’s change of opinions. 

No, I am no longer under Sir Henry,” he replied. I’ve 
been sent South quite recently though. I am ashamed to say 1 
can’t recall you.” 


THE LAST BLOWS EOR EUEEHOM. 


217 


That’s not strange; you only saw me once; I am Lieutenant 
Brasnose, who dined with you once on the Duchess of Gordon, 
while Lord Howe was still here/’ said the young fellow. 

To be sure; now I remember you, and am ashamed to think 
my memory lapsed at first,” returned Dick. 

Oh, that is all right. I didn’t know you were with us. How 
on earth did it happen I didn’t see you before ? ” asked the 
lieutenant. 

Because I am not with you,” returned Dick. “ I have a 
little command of my own back further, hound another way. 
You are with — ? ” 

Tarleton. We are hound for Charlottesville to break up 
the legislature there,” said the unsuspicious young lieutenant. 

And look ye here. Captain, we’re going to surround the house 
of that pestilent traitor Thomas Jefferson, and capture him. 
What do you say to that; won’t that he a stroke ? ” And he 
dealt Dick a rousing blow on the chest in ecstasy over the pros- 
pect. 

I should say so,” gasped Dick, staggering backward. That 
was a stroke too, since we’re talking of strokes. But few men in 
the country are more important than Thomas Jefferson. Do 
you suppose you will succeed ? ” 

know, we shall; we can’t help it. His house is only about 
six miles from here due west, and he can’t get away,” cried the 
lieutenant. What is your business ? It must he queer, since 
you’ve laid off your uniform.” 

^Ht is secret; I can’t tell even you,” said Dick. ^^And you 
remind me that I have no right to these pleasant moments. I 
should be about my duty now.” 


218 tBe last blows for freedom. 

‘‘ Oh, of course, it is right to he prudent,’^ said the young 
officer, half offended. You caffit tell whom to trust.’’ 

“ Yes, one can tell whom to trust often. Lieutenant Brasnose, 
hut I can’t disobey orders, and must hold my tongue. Good 
night. I wish I might stay with you longer, hut I must go hack, 
and continue on my way,” said Dick. Good night.” 

Good night, and good luck to you,” said the amiable young 
Englishman, recovering from his slight chill. Hope we’ll meet 
soon. I am with Tarleton. Try to look me up.” 

As soon as affairs allow,” returned Dick, retreating to avoid 
saying under what leader he was serving, though the lieutenant 
evidently took it for granted that it was Cornwallis. Good 
night.” 

He slipped away among the trees, and once out of sight broke 
into a run. Due west, he said,” thought Dick, wrapping his 
cloak tight to get it out of his way. Plague take these trees; 
if I could only see the stars plainly ! ” 

He ran with all his might. It never occurred to him to doubt 
what he should do, nor to go back to his men. The one thought 
in his mind was to get to Monticello in time to warn Thomas 
Jefferson of his danger, and his only fear that he might fail. 
Comforting himself with the thought that one man alone, run- 
ning, must cover the six miles quicker than a regiment, or some 
hundreds marching, he sped on his way. Sometimes he fell over 
stumps, sometimes got entangled in vines, but he pressed 
on. Dick was lithe, and muscular, a good runner, and not easily 
wearied, though he found running over that sort of ground none 
too easy. He discovered that he should not hold out unless he 
harbored breath and strength, and fell into a steady jog trot 


THE LAST BLOWS FOR FREEDOM. 


219 


which he could maintain. He made a few false turns, but on the 
whole kept the points of the compass true, and at last after an 
hour and a half saw the lights of Monticello before him. He 
dashed up the broad piazza, and into the house, pushing aside the 
frightened servant. Jefferson was in his library; Dick burst open 
the door. Jefferson looked up startled by the apparition of a 
dishevelled, breathless stranger. ^^Mr. Jefferson,^^ Dick panted. 

Tarleton’s men are on their way to seize you. Fly, sir; don^t 
wait.’^ 

And who are you ? demanded Jefferson. 

Dick Watts, Captain Watts, with Lafayette, formerly of the 
English army, but now on my country’s side. I am the nephew 
of Counsellor Watts of Hew York,” said Dick. 

Ah, yes; I know of you,” said J efferson. How came you 

here ? ” 

I am reconnoitering. For heaven’s sake don’t ask any more 
questions, but fly,” cried Dick impatiently. I ran six miles to 
warn you, and Tarleton is on his way now.” 

Sambo,” called Jefferson, putting his head out the door, 
have the coach, with fast horses got ready as quickly as you can. 
Excuse me. Captain Watts; I will get my family off first.” 

Fie left the room, and Dick marching up and down within, 
fuming with impatience, at last heard the sounds of de- 
parture, and the wheels of the coach rolling at a good pace down 
the drive. 

Jefferson then returned. I must gather up my papers,” he 
said suiting the action to the word. You have done me a great 
service. Captain Watts. But, bless my soul ! ” he added as an idea 
seemed to strike him for the first time. You shouldn’t be here ! 


220 


THE LAST BLOWS FOR FREEDOM. 


you are captured you will be hung as a deserter from the 
British army/^ 

Never mind me, Mr. Jefferson/’ replied Dick, who had 
been thinking precisely the same thing. ^^Pll go when you do, 
but for mercy’s sake hasten ! ” 

^^Now I am ready,” Jefferson announced at last, taking down 
his cloak and hat from the stag horns in the hall. Allow me 
to offer you a mount. Captain Watts.” Two horses stood saddled 
at the door, and Jefferson and Dick each mounting one, galloped 
away to safety in the mountains. None too soon either, foi 
scarce twenty minutes after the last echo of their horses’ hoofs 
resounded on the driveway to Monticello, Tarleton and his men 
surrounded the house. 

Dick made his way back alone to Lafayette, who folded him 
in his arms, and kissed him, like the warm-hearted French boy 
he was. Ah, ciel, such anxiety, mon ami ! ” he cried. Such 
fear for you ! Yere have you been, and how did you so lose your- 
self from your men ? My heart was desolated ven dey came back 
wisout you.” 

When Dick had told him the history of his adventures the 
marquis laughed long and merrily. 

^^Ah,” he cried in French: When you cool, slow people 

are rash you are far more reckless than we rash ones ! To dare to 
run your head in the noose like that, my friend ! You would 
have been hung beyond all doubt had you been caught. But you 
have wiped out old scores; the man who saved Thomas Jefferson 
has done his country such service that it counts for years of ordi- 
nary work. We in France know his value, and I assure you, my 
friend, you have paid the debt of your years under the wrong color.” 


THE LAST BLOWS FOR FREEDOM. 


221 


Events followed rapidly on each other’s heels that glorious 
summer. The net set for Cornwallis drew its meshes tighter and 
tighter; Lafayette proved himself the equal of the experienced 
men twice his age against whom he was pitted. Greene, with 
whom Phil was, was sweeping away the last remnant of British 
power in the Carolinas, and victory was in the air. Then came the 
French fleet, and Washington’s daring plan to swoop down from 
the North, and deal that last bold stroke which ended the war. 

Dick’s heart heat high when -on the fourteenth of August 
Washington arrived at Lafayette’s headquarters and took com- 
mand. The great game was ending; his one regret was that Phil 
was not there to see it. The army sat down before Yorktown 
on the sixth of October; French and English fought together, 
and Dick lost all scruples as to fighting against his former friends 
in the splendid storming of the British redoubts. It was on the 
fourth anniversary of Burgoyne’s surrender that Cornwallis raised 
the white flag — and Phil, who had fought so well on that glorious 
day at Saratoga was not there ! But to Dick’s unspeakable joy 
he dashed into the works that night. Brown Bess’ flanks flecked 
with foam, bearing dispatches from Greene. He had come in 
time to see the end. 

On the nineteenth Cornwallis and his army marched out to 
lay down their arms, the British musicians playing the old tune 
The World Turned Upside Down.” Dick and Phil, side by 
side, united at last, watched the spectacle with full hearts. The 
war was virtually ended; liberty was won; they who had so sadly 
parted in the beginning, for duty’s sake, rejoiced together in the 
triumph of the right, and their union in it. Their world which 
had been so tempest tossed, had turned right side up at last. 


CHAPTER XX. 


BACK TO NEW YORK. 

Two years had passed since Cornwallis’ surrender. The peace 
negotiations had been protracted, hut they were ended at last, 
and the peace was an accomplished fact. It was late October, 
and Xew York was looking bright and cheerful in the splendid 
weather which comes at that season to compensate her for the 
hard treatment she receives in the spring. 

Mrs. McElroy, late Mullin, was cleaning house with a fervor 
of energy that left no hope for the smallest spider to escape her 
broom. Her husband sat smoking and watching her with the 
awe and terror a mere man must ever feel for an energetic woman 
in her own domain. When the very last speck of dust had been 
wiped out 'of the last claw on the foot of the final big ma- 
hogany chair, Mrs. McElroy pulled herself up by its arm — she was 
never sylph-like, and stooping was getting to be a serious matter 
to her — shook her duster out of the window, and turned back to 
survey her work with her hands on her hips, and profound satis- 
faction on her face. 

^^To think they’ll be here to-night, the dear children,” she 
sighedj wiping away a joyful tear, and leaving a grimy mark where 
it had been. It’s but a little short of four years since Mistress 
Cicely went away. If I had known ’t would be so long, not one 
step would she have gone without me.” 

m 


BACK TO NEW YORK. 


223 


You’ll find them pretty big children, distress McElroy/’ 
observed the private. Your Master Phil is near twenty-five, 
and even Mistress Cicely — God bless her — is goin’ on twenty- 
three.” 

True for you,^hut we’ve been goin’ on with them, and its 
my children they’ll he if they were seventy,” retorted his wife. 
“ Oh, that beautiful hoy, and I haven’t set eyes on him since he 
got well out of the Long Island fight ! And to think Master Dick 
is with him, and he has left the king’s army, for our own ! He 
was a fine hoy too, hut not like Master Phil; a dark, quiet lad, 
always at his hooks, hut Phil ! Oh, he had the beautiful, bright 
hair, and cheeks like two apples, and eyes just dancin’ with the 
fun ! And he never could come down-stairs like a Christian, hut 
slid down, whooping like an Indian. Master Dick walked about 
always that settled you’d think he was his uncle, the Counsellor.” 

I hope Master Philip won’t be slidin’ down the stairs now,” 
remarked the private. 

Oh, get along with you ! Isn’t he a colonel, and hasn’t he 
made Cornwallis give in to him ! ” cried his wife. 

^^Well, Mistress Cicely is good enough for me, no matter 
what her brother is,” said the private. 

That’s because you never saw' him,” snapped Mrs. McElroy, 
immediately adding: Hot that any one’s in the comparison with 
Cicely.” 

It was sunset when the coach rolled down the Broad Way, 
in which sat Cicely, and by her side Elizabeth Schuyler, now Mrs. 
Alexander Hamilton. Phil and Dick and Hamilton had met them 
half way to the city, and rode beside them. Brown Bess stepping 
along as gayly as if she had not turned her twelfth year, and 


224 


BACK TO NEW TOEK. 


realized that she was coming home to the peace and plenty of her 
old stable at last. 

Look at that, Cicely/’ Phil would cry. Or: See what they 
have done to yonder house/’ Dick would say; there’s where I 
was stationed when I caught Davy escaping.” 

Cicely could not sit still a moment. Her face, all flushed 
and excited, was thrust first out of one, and then the other of the 
coach windows, until her hair, as rebellious and curly as of old, 
came tumbling about her shoulders, and Elizabeth Hamilton 
laughingly protested. 

0 Cicely,” she said. Eemember that the British are still 
here ! They will think we are mad, and carry us off to the 
guard house. Let me make you a little tidy.” 

1 am a very little tidy now, Betty dear,” cried Cicely. How 
can you expect me to keep my head, not to mention my hair, on 
my shoulders when I am so happy, so happy ! ” And she gave 
an ecstatic bounce, and hugged Betty on the Broad Way, greatly 
to the amusement and interest of three young English officers 
passing. 

Long before they reached the house they could see, as they 
drove down Wall Street, Mrs. McElroy standing on the stoop, her 
husband in the background completely overshadowed by her 
portly form, and her eagerness. The coach rolled up to the 
door, Phil and Dick were off their horses before Hamilton, and 
had the door open. Cicely was handed out, and Mrs. McElroy, 
embarrassed by the riches of her joy, laughing and crying, seized 
her in her arms and at the same time tried to cover with them 
the tall figure of the young colonel. 

Cicely sprang breathless up the three low steps, holding out 


BACK TO NEW YORK. 


225 


her hands. How do you do, Private McElroy ? I am very glad 
to see you again. How do you do, dear old house, home, New 
York — oh, I am so thankful, so happy ! ” 

Mistress Hamilton, my sister is too excited to he hospit- 
able,” said Phil. Let me tell you how proud and glad we are to 
welcome under our own roof one who has so kindly sheltered 
us when we needed friends.” 

Don’t apologize for Cicely, and don’t call me Mistress Ham- 
ilton, Phil,” she answered. I am almost as delighted as she is, 
and we were too long like brother and sister for me to be other 
than Betsy Schuyler to-day.” 

Nothing is much changed, Phil; look, here are our school 
baskets on the same dear old shelf. Nursey has kept everything 
just as it always was,” cried Cicely, running from room to room, 
her bonnet hanging by one string, and her shining curls falling 
around her waist. haven’t a wish ungratified, have you, 

Dick ? ” 

Only one,” replied Dick, but Cicely darted away. ' 

She’s purtier than ever,” sighed Mrs. McElroy to her hus- 
band wiping her eyes. 

Pretty ! Mistress Mac ! She’s grown into such a beauty 
that if she went over to London the court of St. James would 
have to hide its head for envy of her, and the statues of Gog and 
Magog would jump into the Thames, and commit suicide for love 
of her,” replied the private with conviction. 

You’re not such an empty brain as a body might think 
you, after all,” said the former Mrs. Mullin with more cordial 
approval than she usually vouchsafed her husband’s senti- 
ments. 


226 


BACK TO NEW YORK. 


We’re going to have a houseful of company for the Evacua- 
tion Day, nursey,” said Cicely that evening, as, supper over, she 
sat curled up on her old stool, with her head on her nurse’s knee, 
whose hand was wandering happily among her maze of curls. 

You may come in, Dick,” she added, seeing Dick peering wist- 
fully in through the door. 

Dick accepted the invitation with alacrity. 

“ I am just telling Mistress McElroy what hosts of people we 
are expecting to see the great Evacuation ceremonies. There is that 
kind woman in Jersey who nursed Phil after he escaped from the 
Good Hope, and both her daughters, and the husband of the elder 
one, whom Phil met so wonderfully at Fort Watson, and there’s 
Si, the brave boy who helped dear Davy save Phil. And Colonel 
Hamilton hath promised to stay with us, and dear Betsy, and I 
.hope Peggy may come down, and bring little Kitty, though I am 
not sure about Kitty. And then there’s Mary Stafford, who is to 
bring the poor, brave Davy’s violin. And nursey. I’ll tell you a 
secret. I suspect Mary will be my sister if Phil has his way, and 
I am impatient to see her.” 

You don’t mean my boy is thinking of being married ! ” 
cried Mrs. McElroy. 

Y^our boy ’ is but little less than twenty-five, and I am 
twenty-six,” laughed Dick. You forget that while we have been 
at war, our enemy, time, has been capturing us.” 

You too, Dick, have thought that Phil hoped to win this 
Mary ? ” asked Cicely. 

^^Nay, I know so,” returned Dick. 

Well, I’ll try not to be jealous of her; Phil assures me she 
is both sweet and good,” sighed Cicely, rising. ^^You see, dear 


BACK TO NEW TORE. 


227 


nursey, you are to have a houseful, but we don’t celebrate a vic- 
tory every day.” 

November came, and had almost slipped away, and the whole 
town was astir with preparations for the departure of the British 
troops. It was the twenty-fourth, and the eve of the great event. 
Already General Washington and General Knox with Governor 
Clinton, and their staffs were waiting the morn at Day’s tavern, 
near where 125th Street now crosses Eighth Avenue. Troops 
had come down from West Point and Newburgh, infantry from 
Massachusetts, and artillery from New York, and were encamped 
at McGowan’s Pass, having preceded the generals to the city. 
Aunt Phoebe Voorhees with Si and Jennie, and Sue and John 
Allen, now her husband, had arrived with bulging carpet bags 
from Jersey, and were trying to appear perfectly at their ease 
in the companionship of beautiful Cicely, and General Schuyler’s 
two daughters. Si and John Allen, while they got on perfectly 
with gay, easy-going Phil, were overweighted by Dick’s and Ham- 
ilton’s courtly grace, and evidently could not reconcile it with 
their own boots and homespun. 

Mary came, shy and quiet, but when she gave David’s violin 
into Cicely’s hands, whispering a word of love for the boy who had 
died for Phil, her dove-like eyes full of appeal for a share of 
Cicely’s affection, she went straight to Cicely’s warm heart, and 
with the kiss she gave her received the love of a sister which 
throug'hout all the rest of her life enriched and blessed her. 

Every one was early astir in the old Wall Street house on the 
morning of the twenty-fifth. The British troops were moving 
early, and the march of feet resounded down the Broad Way, and 
Queen Street to the Battery, and Cicely kept flying to the window 


228 


BACK TO NEW TORE. 


to see the companies of red coats, mingled with the blue of the 
Hessians, passing down Wall Street. 

Tve a bit of news for you,” said Private McElroy, coming in. 

Pve got me discharge.” 

How the private’s fate had been the only doubt in any one’s 
mind of the entire satisfactoriness of all arrangements, and every 
one cheered at these tidings, while his wife threw herself on his 
neck crying: Praise be to the saints ! ” 

Aisy now, alanna; you’re a good weight,” said the ex-private, 
staggering backward, and patting her back. Yes, Pve me dis- 
charge, and Pm thinking Pll set up a small butter an’ eggs shop 
in Queen Street, and maybe do a bit doctorin’ of dogs, at which 
Pm kinder handy.” 

Splendid ! ” cried Phil. Pll make every friend I have buy 
a sick puppy for you to begin on. Seriously, Private, we’re de- 
lighted at the news.” 

The entire town, and indeed the adjacent country poured into 
the Broad Way as the hour for the coming of Washington drew 
nigh. The procession was to pass up Wall Street, so all the 
guests of the Martin household remained within doors, hanging 
bunting and bright streamers over the old house till it looked 
as gay as a May-pole in the days of Queen Bess It was a little 
after noon when the word was sent to McGowan’s Pass to Brig- 
adier General Jackson commanding there, that the rear guard of 
the British was embarking at the Battery. Immediately the 
American column moved down to taice possession of the city. 
Thousands of people, wild with joy and enthusiasm lined the way. 
The route was down the Bowery to Chatham Street, to Queen, 
and up Wall Street to Cape’s tavern where the Boreel Building 


BACK TO NEW YORK 


229 


now stands. Long before the head of the column reached Wall 
Street the shouts of the people heralded its approach, and at last 
they came. 

Look, look ! ” cried Cicely, almost sobbing in her excited joy. 

The veterans who had won freedom swung around the corner, 
and a great shout went up from the masses lining Wall Street. 
The troops which had just departed were clad in fine uniforms, 
while these wore tarnished uniforms, defaced by weather and 
service, for behind them was no constituted government to re- 
furnish them. 

We must look after the finances next,” muttered Hamilton, 
taking in this fact, and well he performed the difficult task ! 
But though the troops were somewhat shabby, their arms were 
burnished to brilliancy, and they bore themselves like soldiers, 
marching in splendid form, and holding their heads proudly, as 
well they might. Eemembering all they had suffered, and the 
odds against which they fought, their old uniforms were more 
beautiful than the richest trappings of Europe. At last came the 
governor, bowing to right and left, and Knox and Washington. 

Who wouldn’t follow such a man ? ” muttered Phil, seeing 
the quiet, serene face of his general mistily. 

Cheer, friends, cheer ! ” shouted Hamilton. He hath won 
everything for you, but none but he who hath shared his tent, 
and stood by him in battle knows what he is.” 

The cheers arose, deafening, heart-stirring. 

I shall die of joy,” said Cicely, but Mary Stafford stood up 
proudly, her eyes shining out of her pale face. My father did 
not die in vain,” she said. 

The line formed in parade rest at Cape’s tavern, while the 


230 


BACK TO NEW YORK. 


main guard proceeded down the Broad Way to the Battery to 
Fort George to raise the flag of the Free States over New York. 

Now come with me,” said Dick, tucking Cicely under his 
arm. The entire party pushed their way down Queen Street to 
the house at number one Broad Way which had been Dick^s old 
home, and from which he wanted to see the raising of the flag 
which he alone of the old house’s former inmates had followed. 
He had obtained the use of the house for the day, and now entered 
it hastily, hurrying Cicely to the best view point, while the others 
followed. But a little way down the bay, and off the Battery 
lay the great war ships, and as the American guard passed into 
the dismantled fort, the water around the ships was alive with 
boats, scarlet and blue with the British and mercenaries crowding 
them to their gunwales, while Paulus Hook and Governor’s 
Island were black with spectators. 

There it all is in epitome,” said Hamilton, pointing to the 
picturesque scene. The old departing, the new coming, and the 
people, for whom and by whom it hath been wrought, looking on 
cheering and rejoicing.” 

The artillery officer who was to hoist the flag stepping up to the 
pole, found the halyards gone, and the pole greased — evidently 
the work of one of the disgusted sympathizers with the king. 
But a sailor sprang out from among the crowd, and furnished with 
rough cleats and nails slowly worked his way up the slippery pole. 

Again a figure of the past eight years,” remarked Dick. 

All sorts of difficulties put in our path, but Yankee pluck and 
perseverance triumphant at last.” 

The sailor put on new halyards, and came down like a flash. 
The artillery officer attached the flag, and pulled, and pulled. 


BACK TO NEW YORK. 


231 

Up it crept, up, up, and at last the Stars and Stripes floated out 
on the breeze. A volley of thirteen guns saluted it, but their roar 
was almost drowned in the great shout that arose from thousands 
of throats of freemen, a shout taken up and repeated through the 
city, rolling on up the broad Hudson, and echoing from the 
mountains to-day. America was free. A nation stepped into her 
splendid place among the peoples of the world, and beneath that 
banner all the wretched and oppressed were to find refuge. 

At the sound of the first gun the troops on the Broad Way 
came to attention, and Governor Clinton appeared on the right 
of the line, the brigade saluting, and the artillery thundering out 
the salute suitable to the governor of the emancipated State. 
The citizens of Hew York had been invited by proclamation to 
meet General Washington and Governor Clinton. They had 
assembled at the head of the Bowling Green, each man wearing 
the union cockade of black and white ribbon, and a laurel in his 
hat, all who could mounting on horseback, the rest on foot, were 
to accompany Washington and the* governor to the Bull Head 
tavern in the Bowery. Hamilton, Dick, Phil, Si, and John Allen 
mounted the instant the flag had been saluted, and all the girls 
being packed into two big coaches, they drove over to Cape’s 
tavern where the final addresses were to he made. The address of 
exiles returning to Hew York ended the celebration. 

‘‘ This is spoken in my name, for I have been an exile,” said 
Cicely to Mary. Listen.” 

The spokesman of those who had been driven by war from 
their homes, stepped forth, and looking at Washington said: 

In this place, and at this moment of exultation and triumph, 
while the ensigns of slavery still linger in our sight, we look up 


232 


BACK TO NEW TOBK. 


to you, our deliverer, with unusual transports of joy and 
gratitude/’ 

It was very simple, but so heartfelt that tears of unusual joy 
and gratitude ” dimmed every eye. It was the last utterance of 
that glorious day, and dismissing their coaches, and turning the 
horses over to safe hands to be stabled, the party which the Wall 
Street house sheltered turned their faces homeward. Somehow 
Phil and Mary, and Dick and Cicely got separated from the rest 
in the crowded streets, but they arrived in time for supper, tired, 
but blissful. 

Cicely,” said Phil, suddenly coming upon his beloved sister 
in the dark, where after supper she was sitting dreaming over the 
great events of the day, Cicely, see here is Mary. Do you 
think you can share me with her, in consideration of the fact that 
you really need a sister ? ” 

I am sure I can,” cried Cicely springing up to kiss them 
both. ^^But Phil, aren’t you glad Dick wears loyal blue to- 
day ? ” 

Certainly, I am glad, though I don’t see what that has to do 
with your sister,” returned Phil. 

But it has much to do with your brother, you dear, blind 
goose,” cried Cicely tumbling up his ruffles as she hid her head on 
his breast. Don’t you see, you foolish boy,” she whispered, 
that I couldn’t marry a soldier of the king ? ” 

The old roof fairly rang with the shout of joy with which 
Phil hailed this revelation. “ You sly puss ! ” he cried. To 
think I never guessed it ! Where is Dick ? ” 

'^I think he’s somewhere about,” said Cicely demurely, and 
the slender figure of the captain emerged from the shadow. 


BACK TO NEW YOBK. 


233 


Dick, my dear old Dick, Fd rather have this news than a 
present of the United Kingdom,^’ said Phil. Yes, for we are 
done with kingdoms,’^ said Dick, clasping the hands Phil held out 
to him. 

Take us in too,” said Cicely forcing their hands apart, and 
slipping her own, and Mary’s into each of the young men’s. 

We four,” she cried, as they thus formed a circle. We four 
forever.” 

We’ll heat our swords into ploughshares, little Cis,” said 
Phil kissing her. Our happiness is the trophy of war.” 

^^And the king’s scarlet has disappeared forever, merged in 
the blue of peace and love,” added Mary. 

But Dick bent his dark head reverently, and only said; 
" Thank God.” 


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